* Full time ongoing position (part-time applications considered)
* Salary range : $104,925 - $122,409 plus super
* Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement
* Relocation supports available
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to provide high-quality legal services in criminal law (Indictable, Summary, and Therapeutic) and family violence intervention order matters across the Loddon–Campaspe region.
This role involves regular court appearances across regional courts, delivery of duty lawyer services, and management of complex criminal law matters. You will work closely with local communities and services and play a key role in mentoring junior lawyers and supporting the work of the Bendigo office.
This role is based at our Bendigo office on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
About you
* Strong experience working as an advocate and caseworker in criminal law (and ideally, family violence intervention order matters)
* Sound knowledge of criminal law and family violence intervention order court processes and procedures.
* Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with people experiencing social and economic disadvantage.
* Experience supervising, mentoring or training staff and supporting their professional development.
* A current unrestricted Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner.
We encourage applications from
* First Nations people
* Lawyers with strong connection to the Loddon-Campaspe region and its communities
* People who reflect the diversity of the clients and communities we serve
Why relocate to Bendigo
Bendigo is located on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taugurung Peoples and is famous for its heritage attractions and thriving local culture of art, food, wine and music, all within striking distance of Melbourne. Enjoy excellent work life balance and relaxed, affordable living without the noise and traffic- this regional city has all of the benefits and amenities of city living, situated in a beautiful regional setting.
Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.
About VLA
We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.
Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.
Employee benefits
* A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
* Hybrid work from home & office model
* Generous leave benefits, including :
* Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
* Paid gender affirmation leave
* Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
* Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
* Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
* Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
* Free annual flu vaccinations
* Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.
How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.
For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Julia Breheny, Regional Manager on (03) 5448 2308 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.
Applications close by 11.59pm on 23 February 2026.
Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.
VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.
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