Principal Managing Lawyer - Family Violence Service
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation. Our broader supports include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing for women exiting custody, family violence programs, one‑to‑one client support, and community legal education.
The VALS Family Violence Service has been newly established to provide a specialist, culturally grounded and multidisciplinary response for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and young people experiencing or responding to family violence across Victoria. The service recognises that family violence in Aboriginal communities occurs within a broader context shaped by systemic racism, intergenerational trauma and cumulative disadvantage. It has been developed to provide a culturally safe, needs specific and holistic approach that integrates legal and non-legal support, ACE support and cultural guidance.
We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, LGBTISBQ communities, and diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for adjustments throughout recruitment and employment to ensure accessibility and support.
About VALS The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation. Our broader supports include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing for women exiting custody, family violence programs, one‑to‑one client support, and community legal education.
The VALS Family Violence Service has been newly established to provide a specialist, culturally grounded and multidisciplinary response for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and young people experiencing or responding to family violence across Victoria. The service recognises that family violence in Aboriginal communities occurs within a broader context shaped by systemic racism, intergenerational trauma and cumulative disadvantage. It has been developed to provide a culturally safe, needs specific and holistic approach that integrates legal and non-legal support, ACE support and cultural guidance.
We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, LGBTISBQ communities, and diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for adjustments throughout recruitment and employment to ensure accessibility and support.
Role Summary The Principal Managing Lawyer is responsible for the leadership, coordination, and development of the Family Violence Service. This includes oversight of legal services and non-legal program operations. The role ensures the delivery of high quality, culturally safe, specialist and integrated support across all components of the service.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure the Family Violence Service provides a high quality, culturally safe and specialist family violence response for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria.
* Oversee day to day operations and staff across the multidisciplinary team, including allocation of work, supervision, support, case planning oversight, reporting requirements and practice management decisions.
* Ensure culturally safe and effective induction, professional guidance, supervision, mentoring and workforce development for all members of the Family Violence Service, including legal and non-legal.
* Lead and conduct complex casework within the service, including matters involving misidentification, family violence intervention orders, criminal matters linked to family violence and other integrated legal issues.
* Represent VALS clients in complex matters and support the professional development of the wider team in advocacy.
* Contribute to VALS budgeting, strategic planning and risk management processes. Ensure the effective implementation of associated actions across the Family Violence Service.
* Identify opportunities to enhance and develop the Family Violence Service, including new initiatives, proposals and funding opportunities that strengthen strategic aims and increase access to specialist support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
* Represent and advocate for VALS in stakeholder networks, meetings, inquiries and policy discussions relating to family violence and misidentification. Participate in VALS PML and executive meetings and other advocacy activities.
* Contribute to relevant policy, strategy, and communications work within VALS. Ensure all staff collaborate effectively with the Policy team where needed.
* Lead and deliver in house training, professional development and community legal education relating to family violence, misidentification, and culturally safe practice.
* Work closely with the VALS Community Justice Program to ensure services targeted to community need.
About You - Essential Requirements
* A current, unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate and ability to hold a Principal Practising Certificate.
* Demonstrated advanced experience in family violence, criminal law or related areas involving Aboriginal clients, including complex matters involving misidentification.
* Strong understanding of the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in family violence contexts and the broader factors influencing legal and non-legal needs.
* Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams in a culturally safe and trauma informed environment.
* Proven capacity to manage a specialist service, including practice governance, risk management, quality assurance, planning and reporting.
* Experience developing and implementing new programs or initiatives, including funding proposals and project management.
* Highly developed interpersonal, presentation, written and verbal communication skills, including with clients experiencing distress, courts, ACCOs and partner agencies.
* Ability to provide specialist legal advice, guidance and support to the Family Violence Service and broader VALS staff.
Qualifications & Mandatory Checks
* A current Employee Working with Children Check card
* A valid Victorian Driver’s license
* A National Criminal History Check
* Proof of work rights in Australia, such as an Australian passport, birth certificate, or valid visa documentation
What We Offer
* 17.5% Leave Loading
* 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
* Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
* Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
* A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment
How to Apply
Submit your application tojobs@vals.org.au using the subject line:'Application for Principal Managing Lawyer – Family Violence Service at VALS'
VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.
Please note:We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.
What to Expect During Application
Your application will include the following questions:
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
* How many years\' experience do you have as a Managing Lawyer?
* How many years\' experience do you have in family law?
* How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
Managing Lawyer (Criminal Law - Family Violence Service)
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