* Full time ongoing position (part-time considered) * Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging * Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model * Location: Either Morwell or Bairnsdale * Relocation support available About the roleWe are seeking a Deputy Managing Lawyer to lead a team focused on criminal law and family violence matters. You'll be responsible for providing expert legal advice and advocacy while supervising and mentoring junior lawyers. You will supervise and mentor junior lawyers and provide high-quality legal services to vulnerable clients in various fields. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact while advancing your career in a leadership capacity. This role is based at either our Morwell or Bairnsdale office on Gunaikurnai Country with regular travel across the regions for community outreach. About youAs our ideal candidate, you will possess: * A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory). * A proven ability to develop, motivate, and manage a diverse team effectively, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. * Substantial experience in criminal law with a demonstrated capacity to handle complex legal matters as a senior lawyer. * Experience in supervising and mentoring staff to enhance their professional growth. * Excellent communication skills to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients from disadvantaged backgrounds. Why relocate to Gippsland? * In the heart of the LaTrobe Valley, Gippsland is the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts with national parks, hiking points and wildlife right at your doorstep. * Potential to commute from eastern Melbourne in 1hr - start your workday relaxed in the quiet carriage or work productively with seat tables on the train from Pakenham. * Rewarding position servicing community members with limited legal resources. Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities. About Victoria Legal AidWe offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve. Employee benefits * Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements * Hybrid work from home & office model * Training and professional development opportunities * Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing * Access to discounted Private Health Insurance How to applyTo be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter. If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team. For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Tara Bressan, Regional Manager on (03) 9784 5204 or Julie Riva, Regional Manager on (03) 9784 5223 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 2 February 2026. Other relevant informationIt is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.