Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Location: Preston, VIC | Full-Time |

Salary: $120,000 + Super + Salary Packaging

Application Closing Date: 2nd October 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 Balit Ngulu

Balit Ngulu (meaning “Strong Voice” in the Woi Wurrung language) is a specialised youth program within the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS). The program was established to ensure that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people have access to culturally safe, holistic, and specialised legal assistance.

Balit Ngulu provides legal advice and representation primarily in the area of criminal law, supporting young people who come into contact with the criminal legal system. The program operates across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton, working to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the legal system.

In addition to legal support, Balit Ngulu provides wrap-around case management and advocacy through its Balit Ngulu Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Worker, ensuring that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people receive holistic and culturally safe care that is responsive to their cultural, social, and developmental needs.

The program is grounded in the principles of self-determination, cultural safety, early intervention, and community empowerment, and is a key part of VALS’ broader commitment to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

About the Role: Managing Lawyer – Balit Ngulu (Youth Justice)

The Managing Lawyer works closely with the Principal Managing Lawyer and is responsible for leading VALS’ Balit Ngulu Practice, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people facing criminal charges in the Children’s Court and related jurisdictions. The role oversees daily operations, including court rosters, file allocation, case planning, and the supervision and development of solicitors, paralegals, ACE workers and volunteers. With a strong focus on diversion, restorative outcomes, and empowering young clients, the Managing Lawyer provides direct legal advocacy and represents VALS in key stakeholder networks, policy development, and law reform processes. This position is central to fostering a collaborative, professional, and culturally responsive practice that strengthens resilience and reduces the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operations of Balit Ngulu in the youth crime space, including weekly Children’s Court (Criminal Division) rosters, and the effective allocation and management of criminal law files.

Together with the Principal Managing Lawyer (PML), conduct regular case planning meetings to ensure consistent oversight of casework, including serious youth indictable and summary youth matters.

Supervise, mentor, and develop Balit Ngulu solicitors, paralegals, and volunteers, ensuring they are performing their duties to a high professional standard. This includes induction, guidance, supervision, mentoring, access to professional development, and annual career development reviews, as well as structured 1:1 meetings and check-ins with solicitors.

Oversee the delivery of quality and culturally safe legal representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in criminal matters. This includes ensuring appropriate briefing and referrals for non-legal issues to achieve safe and empowering client outcomes.

Appear as a senior advocate on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the Children’s Court (Criminal Division), Koori Court, Magistrates’ Court, and, where appropriate, in higher jurisdictions, to provide high-quality legal representation for clients of the Balit Ngulu program

Working with the PML, represent and advocate for VALS in youth justice networks, stakeholder meetings, and parliamentary inquiry processes, as well as in law reform and policy development relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. This includes engagement with courts, prosecutions, relevant Government Departments, , schools, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations.

Manage and contribute to in-house training, professional development, and community legal education initiatives relating to youth justice issues.

Ensure all staff work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to youth justice law reform, policy development, and research initiatives that strengthen outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Ad Hoc

Perform other tasks as reasonably directed.

Undertake regional and/or interstate travel as required.

Assist with ad hoc documentation, reporting, or operational support.

Provide support for events, meetings, or projects as requested.

Leadership Responsibilities (as required)

Track performance, provide feedback, and conduct regular reviews to ensure goals are met.

Foster professional development by mentoring and identifying growth opportunities for Balit Ngulu staff.

Articulate a clear vision, set strategic goals, and align team objectives with the VALS overall vision.

Lead regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins.

Identify and address challenges, solve problems, and resolve conflicts within the team.

Organise workflows, manage projects, and ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of staff.

Key Selection Criteria

Extensive expertise in criminal law and youth justice practice, including demonstrated advocacy experience in the Children’s Court (Criminal Division), Koori Court, Magistrates’ Court, and, where appropriate, higher jurisdictions.

Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop legal and paralegal staff, with a strong focus on fostering professional development, reflective practice, and cultural competency within the team.

Strong casework management skills, including the effective allocation, supervision, and oversight of complex criminal and youth justice matters.

High-level advocacy, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated commitment to early intervention, diversion, and restorative justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Deep understanding of the cultural, social, and historical factors that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people within the criminal justice system.

Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with experience working collaboratively with courts, youth justice agencies, community organisations, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Ability to balance strategic leadership and direct legal practice, contributing meaningfully to both complex casework and broader systemic and law reform initiatives.

Strong operational and organisational management capabilities, including rostering, workflow coordination, and the oversight of after-hours legal services.

Demonstrated experience in contributing to law reform, policy development, and the delivery of community legal education in the area of youth justice.

A commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed, and client-centred practice, with the resilience, adaptability, and judgement required to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic legal environment.

Mandatory Requirements

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

A current, unrestricted Victorian Practicing Certificate, with demonstrated advanced post admission experience, including conduct of casework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in complex youth justice matters.

A current Employee Working with Children Check card

A valid Victorian Driver’s license

A National Criminal History Check

Proof of work rights in Australia, such as an Australian passport, birth certificate, or valid visa documentation

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 35 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 Managing Lawyer – Balit Ngulu 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.