Location: Preston VIC
Employment Type: Full-Time | Fixed Term (with strong potential to become ongoing)
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
Salary: $91,305.40 + Super + Salary Packaging
About VALS
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state’s only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation.
About the Role
As a Lawyer in the Aboriginal Families Practice, you will provide high-quality legal services including advice, representation, casework, negotiation, and dispute resolution primarily in Family Law matters. This role focuses on family violence, family law, child protection and related hearings in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Courts of Australia. You will also contribute to child protection matters as required.
Reporting to the Principal Managing Lawyer, Aboriginal Families Practice, you will play a key role in supporting the ATSI community, contributing to social justice, and delivering culturally safe legal services.
Key Responsibilities
- Represent VALS clients as an advocate in Family Law, family violence, and child protection proceedings in state and federal courts.
- Deliver high-quality legal advice, casework, and outreach services in Family Law and related matters.
- Manage a substantial caseload in Family Law, family violence, and child protection matters.
- Prepare applications for legal aid funding and comply with reporting requirements.
- Contribute to planning, service delivery, and continuous improvement of the Family Law Practice and VALS.
- Support VALS projects, policy and law reform initiatives, and community/professional legal education programs.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations.
About You
- Admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria and the High Court of Australia for a minimum of 4 years.
- Demonstrated advocacy experience in Family Violence, Intervention Order, and Family Law matters, including negotiation and dispute resolution.
- Knowledge and practical experience in Family Violence, Family Law, and child protection matters.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, and community organisations.
- Commitment to the legal and social issues affecting the ATSI community.
- Strong decision-making skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Team-oriented with the ability to foster a supportive and cooperative work environment.
- Competent in MS Office and able to quickly learn VALS client management systems.
What We Offer
- 17.5% Leave Loading
- 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
- Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
- Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment
How to Apply
To apply, please provide:
- Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees
Submit your application tojobs@vals.org.au using the subject line:
‘Application for Lawyer – Aboriginal Families Practice at VALS’
VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.
Please note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.