- Full-time, 12-month fixed-term role with strong potential to become ongoing
- $101,410.40 + super, salary packaging
- Based in Preston, VIC
- 5 days onsite
Make a Real Impact in Youth Justice
Are you passionate about justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people? Do you want your legal expertise to create real, lasting impact in community?
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to join Balit Ngulu, our specialist Youth Justice team. This is an opportunity to bring your advocacy skills, leadership, and commitment to culturally safe practice to an organisation making a genuine difference.
About Balit Ngulu (Youth Justice)
Balit Ngulu, meaning Strong Voice, is VALS’ specialist youth legal service supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people involved in the criminal legal system.
Operating across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton, the program provides:
- Holistic, culturally informed legal representation
- Wrap-around case management through Aboriginal Community Engagement Workers
Our approach prioritises early intervention, self-determination, and community empowerment.
About the Role
As Senior Lawyer, you will lead the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe criminal law services for young people appearing before:
- Children’s Court (Criminal Division)
- Koori Courts
- Magistrates’ Court and higher jurisdictions
Key Responsibilities
- Act as senior advocate in complex youth criminal matters
- Mentor and supervise junior lawyers
- Contribute to case planning, community legal education, and law reform initiatives
- Support diversion-focused and early intervention strategies
- Build strong relationships with ACCOs, Victoria Legal Aid, Youth Justice, and the Victorian Bar
- Help shape positive outcomes for young clients and contribute to systemic change
About You
You are a committed advocate for young people with a strong grounding in culturally safe practice. You will bring:
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience as a legal practitioner, including advocacy involving children and young people
- Strong knowledge of youth criminal law and court processes
- Experience mentoring or supervising junior practitioners
- Understanding of youth justice issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Excellent communication skills and ability to engage respectfully with young people and community
- Competency in MS Office and willingness to learn VALS’ client database
Mandatory Requirements You must hold (or be able to obtain):
- Victorian practising certificate (unsupervised)
- Employee Working with Children Check
- National Criminal History Check
- Current Victorian Driver Licence
- Australian working rights
Why Join VALS?
- Work in an organisation grounded in culture, community and self-determination
- Make a tangible difference in the lives of Aboriginal young people
- Engage in meaningful legal advocacy and systemic reform
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- Ongoing opportunities for training, development and growth
- Salary packaging to maximise take-home pay
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are committed to justice, cultural safety, and empowering young people, we encourage you to apply >> https://www.seek.com.au/job/89693821?ref=hirer-jobs-list