Overview
Full time, 12 months fixed term (strong potential for ongoing) – Preston, VIC
* $101,410.40 + Super + Salary Packaging
* Full time, 12 months fixed term (strong potential for ongoing)
About VALS
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our holistic services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and much more. At VALS, we are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity, and inclusion and we are always evolving to meet community needs.
About the Role
Senior Lawyer
Senior Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. You will be operating as part of an integrated and diverse team that includes junior lawyers, senior lawyers, administration staff and client service officers.
Key Responsibilities
* Appear as a senior advocate in various courts including the Children's Court, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts to represent VALS clients in criminal matters.
* Appear in the Bail and Remand Court on weeknights and weekends (including nights) on a rostered basis.
* Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters, including serious indictable matters, for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
* Travel across Victoria to deliver services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Some travel outside usual business hours and on weekends. A VALS vehicle is available for travel and a driver's license is required.
* Participate in the on‐call after hours roster ("Night phone") and provide emergency advice to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria.
* Appear for clients at remand court. May require duty lawyer shifts on a rotating seven‐day roster (including evenings, weekends and public holidays).
* Supervise and mentor staff in criminal law and contribute to professional legal education and training.
* Ability to act in the Managing Lawyer or Principal Managing Lawyer position in a higher duties capacity if required.
* Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.
* Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations with VALS interactions.
* Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues affecting the justice system and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
* Undertake other duties incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, as reasonably within the employee's skills, competence and training.
Key Selection Criteria
* At least 3+ years' experience as a legal practitioner, with demonstrated capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex matters.
* Ability to supervise, mentor and train less experienced lawyers and contribute to their knowledge and skills.
* Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including young people.
* Excellent organisation, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and foster a cooperative team environment.
* Basic competency in MS Office and the ability to quickly acquire competency in VALS' client database.
Mandatory Requirements
* Admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria, with an unsupervised practising certificate.
* Current Employee Working with Children Check
* National Criminal History Police Check
* Proof of Australian work rights (e.g. passport, birth certificate, or visa)
* Current valid Victorian Driver's License
Why Join VALS?
* We offer a supportive, flexible, and culturally safe working environment with a range of attractive benefits, including:
* 17.5% Leave Loading
* 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
* Time in Lieu (TOIL) system for any hours worked beyond your contracted 35 hours per week
* Access to company vehicles for work-related travel
* Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
How to Apply
To apply, please provide:
* A covering letter introducing yourself and explaining your suitability for the role
* A statement addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria
* Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees
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