* Full time ongoing position * 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 About the roleWe are seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to deliver high-quality legal services in criminal law and family violence matters, with a focus on complex casework. You will provide legal advice, duty lawyer services, representation, negotiation and dispute resolution across Indictable, Summary and Children's Court matters. The role also involves supervising and mentoring lawyers, and contributing to policy initiatives, law reform work, VLA projects and community legal education. As a Legal Expert Senior Lawyer for Criminal Law, you will use advanced legal expertise to manage complex and sensitive matters and support best practice across the team. The Ringwood Office is one of VLA's largest metropolitan offices, providing services to Heidelberg and Ringwood Magistrates Courts, the Mental Health Review Tribunal, and various outreach services. The office is home to approximately 65 staff members and enjoys an excellent workplace culture. This role is based at our Ringwood office on Wurundjeri Country. 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). * Significant experience in complex criminal law and family violence matters, including advocacy and representation. * Advanced legal technical expertise and sound professional judgement. * Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor and support lawyers and senior lawyers. * Strong communication skills and a client-centred approach to practice. * A collaborative mindset and commitment to access to justice. 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 Tim Mansell, Deputy Managing Lawyer on (03) 9259 5466 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Wednesday 4 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.