• Full time ongoing position (part-time applications considered)
• Salary based on experience, range: $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Lawyer to work in a management team leading the Summary Crime team in Melbourne. In this role, you will manage the day-to-day operations of our legal and administrative staff in collaboration with the Managing Lawyer. You will also provide high-quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, advocacy and casework in summary and indictable matters.

Additionally, you will play an important role in mentoring and developing junior staff, allocation of matters, workload management and leading various project initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to shape and improve both team performance and client outcomes through strategic leadership and hands-on support

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Proven experience in managing and supporting a legal team, with a focus on direct support, mentoring, and developing junior lawyers.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex criminal law matters, with significant practical court experience.
• High-level communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, constructive advice and engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to offer strategic advice on legal and policy issues, understanding the roles of external organisations and community groups in legal aid services.
• Commitment to working collaboratively and fostering a supportive, high-performing team environment.
• A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).

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 Aid
We provide legal representation 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
• Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club(and salary package the cost)
• Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit a current resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

If you require workplace 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 review the attached position description or contact Cavell Warren, Managing Lawyer, Summary Crime on (03) 9280 3982.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 3 August 2025.

Other relevant information
It 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.