Organisation
For 40 years, Barwon Community Legal Service (BCLS) has been providing free legal information, advice and casework to people across Greater Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Colac Otway communities.
BCLS partners with individuals, families and communities to create meaningful change through direct legal assistance, community education, advocacy and law reform to improve access to justice.
With a growing focus on long‐term impact, systems influence and sustainable service design, BCLS is committed to advancing a fair, humane and equitable legal system where all people have equal access to justice.
What's in it for you?
* 5 weeks annual leave
* Gifted leave for Xmas closure
* Salary packaging and competitive remuneration
* Flexible environment to support work‐life balance
Your Impact
As Director of Legal Services, you will lead the direction, integrity, and evolution of a multidisciplinary legal practice ensuring services are culturally safe, trauma‐informed, and responsive to community needs.
Specifically, you will:
* Strengthen leadership capability by coaching Managing Lawyers, building and fostering a collaborative and high‐performing, values‐aligned culture
* Lead the design and evolution of innovative, client‐centred evidence‐informed legal service models
* Provide governance oversight across legal risk, compliance, accreditation, and quality assurance
* Influence reform through advocacy, partnerships, and engagement across sector partnerships
* Partner with the CEO and executive to drive organisational strategy, sustainability, and impact, aligning services with community need, sector reform, and organisational priorities
* Represent the organisation in high‐level forums, funding negotiations, and external submissions.
What you bring
You are a dynamic and collaborative leader who brings both big‐picture thinking and operational rigour and enjoys shaping strategy, leading change and influencing system‐level outcomes. You understand the complexities of community legal work and are energised by the opportunity to lead a team making a real difference.
You will have:
* Eligibility to hold an unrestricted Principal Practising Certificate in Victoria
* Senior‐level legal experience, ideally within a Community Legal Centre or access to justice environment.
* A track record in managing legal teams, fostering professional development, and delivering complex legal services.
* Demonstrated expertise in legal governance, risk management, and compliance oversight
* Strong capability in building partnerships and contributing to advocacy or law reform
* Demonstrated commitment to community engagement, social justice, and law reform.
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