Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Location: Preston, VIC | Full-Time/ Part Time | Option to extend based on funding and performance

Salary: $73,196.94 – $74,196.94 + Super + Salary Packaging

Application Closing Date: 8th September 2025

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our holistic services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and much more. At VALS, we are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity, and inclusion and we are always evolving to meet community needs.

About the Role: Paralegal – Criminal Law Practice

To support the work of the VALS legal team by providing a point of first contact and triage for people seeking to access the legal team’s legal services. To ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria who require legal assistance are given the best opportunity to access that assistance, whether through VALS or other external organisations. You will be operating as part of an integrated and diverse team that includes junior lawyers, senior lawyers, administration staff and client service officers.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct initial intake for people seeking legal assistance, primarily over the phone but also from time to time in person at the VALS Preston office.

Taking thorough and concise intake notes for legal enquiries, as well as recording mandatory client data for reporting purposes.

Manage large daily volumes of client data and intake material within VALS’ client database, to ensure follow up tasks related to intake and processing are being effectively managed.

Manage and collaborate with volunteers, by allocating tasks and work throughout the day that will best enable them to support the work of the paralegal.

Make timely, appropriate and effective referrals for individuals the VALS criminal team is unable to assist, including to external organisations as well as within VALS, for both legal and non-legal matters.

Actively participate team meetings.

Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.

Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid,other community organisations and stakeholders to support warm referrals to other legal professionals where VALS cannot assist the client.

As directed, undertake other duties which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training.

Key Selection Criteria

Sound interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with persons seeking legal assistance.

A commitment to and understanding of the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Victoria.

The ability to quickly attend to tasks in an efficient and precise manner, with attention to detail, and a demonstrated capacity to balance multiple responsibilities in a high-pressure environment.

Basic knowledge of the law and court procedures with a focus on the areas of law the legal practice focusses on.

A demonstrated ability to communicate and liaise in a professional manner with VALS external stakeholder organisations and their representatives, including pro bono law firms, other CLCs, Court and Tribunal staff etc.

The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.

Strong skills in the use of MS Office 365 Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, Email) relevant to a legal practice, and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client database.

Key Capabilities and Personal Accountability

Key Capabilities

Gains insight into the team’s vision and goals.

Demonstrates resect for self and colleagues.

Approaches each task with enthusiasm.

Manages competing demands.

Practises good legal writing; complies with the style guide or the specific requirements of the clients; shows attention to detail when preparing documents.

Participates in knowledge sharing activities such as team meetings and training programs.

Personal accountability

Compliance with all VALS values, code of conduct, policies and procedures and relevant government legislation and standards where relevant.

Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of social justice and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or religion.

Ensure appropriate use of resources.

Actively participate in initiatives to maintain, build upon and promote a positive and collaborative workplace.

Take reasonable care for your own health & safety, and health and safety of others (to extent required)

Maintain own self-care and wellbeing with support of line management.

Promptly respond to and report health and safety hazards, incidents and near misses to management.

Attend mandatory training sessions (ie. equal employment opportunity, health and safety, cultural safety) and mandatory training specific to position.

Mandatory Requirements

The successful applicant must be able to provide or be willing to obtain:

Enrolled in or completed a Bachelor of Laws or similar practical training qualification or be otherwise eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria.

Current Employee Working with Children Check

National Criminal History Police Check

Proof of Australian work rights (e.g. passport, birth certificate, or visa)

Current valid Victorian Driver’s Licence

Why Join VALS?

We offer a supportive, flexible, and culturally safe working environment with a range of attractive benefits, including:

17.5% Leave Loading

5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days

Time in Lieu (TOIL) system for any hours worked beyond your contracted 21 hours per week

Access to company vehicles for work-related travel

Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia

Opportunity to work alongside a passionate team committed to delivering culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities

Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

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How to Apply

To apply, please provide:

A covering letter introducing yourself and explaining your suitability for the role

A statement addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria (please note: applications without this will not be considered)

Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees

Submit your application to [email protected] using the subject line:
‘Application for Paralegal, Criminal Law Practice Position 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.