Location: Preston, VIC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $101,410.40 – $105,905.80 + Super + Salary Packaging
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 more. At VALS, we are committed to self‐determination, equality, diversity and inclusion, and we continually evolve to meet community needs.
About the Role
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 clients of VALS 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. Travel may occur outside of usual business hours and on weekends. Use of a VALS vehicle is available and a driver's licence 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. This may require duty lawyer shifts on a rotating seven‐day (including evenings, weekends and public holidays) roster.
* Supervise and mentor staff working in criminal law and contribute to professional legal education and training.
* Act as Managing Lawyer or Principal Managing Lawyer 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 whom VALS interacts.
* Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programmes and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
* Undertake other duties which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided they are 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 the development of their knowledge and skills.
* Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including young people.
* Excellent organisation, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a co‐operative and supportive team environment.
* Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software and the capacity to acquire competency in the use of 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).
Benefits
* 17.5% leave loading.
* 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days.
* Time in Lieu (TOIL) system for hours worked beyond the contracted 35 hours per week.
* Access to company vehicles for work‐related travel.
* Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia.
* Opportunity to work alongside a passionate team committed to delivering culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
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.
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