Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Location: Preston, VIC | Full-Time

Salary: $88,305.40 + Super + Salary Packaging

Application Closing Date: 27th August 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: Lawyer – Criminal Law

Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. 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

Appear as an advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts in order to represent clients of VALS in criminal matters.

Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Appear in the Bail and Remand Court on weeknights and weekends (including nights) on a rostered basis.

Participate in the on call after hours roster (“Night phone”) and provide emergency advice to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria.

Appear for clients at remand Court. At times this will require duty lawyer shifts on a rotating seven-day (including evenings, weekends and public holidays) roster

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

Participate in regular team meetings.

Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations with whom VALS interacts.

Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

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.

Travel across Victoria to deliver services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours and on weekends. Use of a VALS vehicle is available for this travel and a driver’s licence is required.

Key Selection Criteria

Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria

Demonstrated ability to act as an advocate, deliver legal advice and casework on behalf of VALS clients

Knowledge of and practical experience in the law and court procedures with a focus on the criminal law jurisdiction

Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community

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

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

A knowledge of the principles and values of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Basic competency in the use of Office 365 software and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS client database

Demonstrates emotional intelligence and shows respect to colleagues and other

stakeholders always

Supports and contributes to a cohesive team and organisation culture

Understands and complies with legal professional obligations

Meets client and stakeholder expectations in a timely, reliable and consistent manner ensures that others meet expectations

Possesses a strong grasp of relevant legal issues but consults with internal or external experts where appropriate

Ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and acknowledge their diverse backgrounds, personalities and varying needs and the unique cultural ways in which they may need be expressed

Mandatory Requirements

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

· Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role

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 Lawyer – Criminal Law 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.