About this role
* Full-time ongoing position
* Salary range: $104,925 - $131,153 (pro rata) plus super, plus salary packaging
* Drive access to justice and growth in Victoria's north-east
* Relocation support available
About the role
Victoria Legal Aid is expanding its regional presence to meet growing demand for high-quality legal services in the Ovens Murray region.
Based in Wodonga on Wiradjuri and Dhudhuroa Country, we're seeking an experienced Senior Criminal Lawyer to help establish and grow our Wodonga-based office — strengthening access to justice for communities across north-east Victoria.
This is an opportunity to take on meaningful, community-connected work in a beautiful regional setting, while shaping the future of legal service delivery in a rapidly growing area.
We're recruiting for a senior criminal lawyer, at either Work Value Range 4.1 or 4.2 (depending on skills and experience) through a single, integrated process. Apply once to be considered for the level that best aligns with your experience and strengths.
What you'll do
As a Senior Lawyer Salary range: $104,925 - $122,409), you will:
* Deliver high-quality legal services in criminal law, family violence and intervention order matters
* Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and contribute to team capability
* Appear in complex matters in the Magistrates' Court and Children's Court
* Build strong relationships with local courts, agencies, and community partners
As an Expert Senior Lawyer salary range: $113,668 - $131,153), you'll do all the above plus:
* Provide technical leadership and advanced advocacy in complex criminal and family violence matters
* Supervise and support other senior lawyers across the region
* Lead strategic legal initiatives and contribute to practice development and systemic advocacy
Your level will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. If you're unsure which level to apply for – just apply
About you
We're seeking senior lawyers who are:
* Technically strong in criminal law (and ideally, family violence and intervention order matters)
* Experienced advocates who exercise sound judgment and demonstrate compassion and cultural awareness
* Collaborative and capable of coaching others in a supportive team environment
* Values-driven and committed to improving access to justice in regional Victoria
We encourage applications from:
* First Nations people
* Lawyers with strong connection to the Ovens-Murray region and its communities
* People who reflect the diversity of the clients and communities we serve
Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.
Why relocate to Albury/Wodonga?
Albury and Wodonga are vibrant twin cities on the Murray River, at the heart of the Riverina region. Just three hours from Melbourne and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, the region offers an enviable lifestyle with affordable housing, quality schools, cultural and sporting opportunities, and easy access to snowfields, wine country and national parks. This role is not only a chance to take on a career-defining leadership project – it's also an opportunity to enjoy a thriving community and an outstanding work–life balance.
About Victoria Legal Aid
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
* Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
* Hybrid work from home & office model
* Training and professional development opportunities
* Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
* Access to discounted Private Health Insurance
How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter setting out why you'd be a great Senior Lawyer in VLA's Wodonga office.
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 Susie Crowe, Regional Manager on or
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 2 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.
Job details
Job Reference:
VG/VLA/RSD/1903049
Location:
Wodonga - Ovens Murray
Work Type:
Ongoing - full time
Job Function:
Legal
Classification:
WVR Snr Lawyer A & B
Salary Range:
$104,925 - $131,153
Job Duration:
Ongoing
Date posted:
15-Jan-2026
Application Close Date:
02-Feb-2026