Full-time | 12-month fixed-term contract (strong potential for ongoing)
Location: Wyndham (Werribee)
Salary: $115,000 + superannuation + salary packaging benefits
About the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since 1973, VALS has delivered culturally safe legal services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, alongside specialist programs such as the 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing, family violence programs, and community legal education.
About Balit Ngulu - "Strong Voice"
Balit Ngulu is a specialised youth legal program supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people (up to 21 years) who come into contact with the criminal legal system. The program provides holistic, culturally safe legal representation and case management, grounded in self‐determination, early intervention, and community empowerment. Operating across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton, Balit Ngulu plays a vital role in reducing over‐representation of Aboriginal youth in the legal system.
Opportunity
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Regional Practice Lawyer (RPL) to lead our Wyndham legal practice. Based in Werribee, you will provide senior legal advocacy, oversee complex youth crime matters, and lead a multidisciplinary team of Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Workers, lawyers, and paralegals. You will strengthen regional partnerships, ensure culturally safe and high‐quality service delivery, and contribute to systemic change that improves outcomes for Aboriginal young people. This role is ideal for an experienced lawyer who wants to combine senior practice, leadership, and community impact in a meaningful way.
Key Responsibilities
Court Advocacy & Representation
* Appear as a senior advocate in the Children's Court (Criminal Division), Koori Court, Magistrates' Court, and higher courts as required.
* Deliver culturally safe, trauma‐informed representation in youth and young adult matters.
Casework & Legal Service Delivery
* Manage complex youth crime casework (summary and indictable matters).
* Prepare and manage Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) grants of assistance.
* Contribute to weekly case planning and continuous service improvement.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
* Build strong relationships with Aboriginal organisations, schools, courts, service providers, and youth‐focused stakeholders.
* Deliver community legal education and professional training across the Wyndham region.
Leadership & Supervision
* Supervise, mentor, and support ACE Workers, lawyers, and paralegals.
* Lead team meetings and foster a supportive, culturally safe, and high‐performing team culture.
* Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and daily practice operations.
Policy, Reform & Advocacy
* Identify systemic issues impacting Aboriginal young people.
* Contribute to law reform, research, and youth justice advocacy initiatives.
About You
You are a values‐driven legal professional who is committed to cultural safety, youth justice, and community empowerment.
You will bring:
* Admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria with 4+ years' experience in criminal law.
* Eligibility for Victoria Legal Aid Panels (summary, indictable, and youth matters).
* Experience in complex youth crime advocacy.
* Demonstrated leadership and supervision capability.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
* A strong alignment with VALS' values and purpose.
* Competency with MS Office.
Mandatory Requirements:
* Victorian Employee Working with Children Check.
* National Criminal History Check.
* Victorian Driver's Licence.
* Proof of Australian working rights.
We proudly support diversity and welcome applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and diverse cultural backgrounds.
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