Location: Preston, Victoria
Employment Type: Full Time | Fixed Term
Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
Salary: $110,000 - 120,000 + Super + Salary Packaging

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state’s only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation. We also deliver community education, advocacy, and wraparound social supports through our Client Service Officers and 24/7 Custody Notification Service.

About the Role

The Managing Lawyer – Criminal Law plays a key leadership and practice management role within our Criminal Law team. Working alongside the Principal Managing Lawyer, you will oversee the delivery of a high-quality, culturally safe legal service to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients across Victoria.

You will provide expert legal representation and advocacy in criminal law matters while supporting and developing a team of solicitors and paralegals. This role offers the opportunity to drive systemic change, influence law reform and contribute to reducing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations of the Criminal Law team, including court rosters, file allocation and workflow

Supervise, mentor and develop solicitors and paralegals, including performance and career development

Provide high-level criminal law advice, casework and advocacy, including indictable matters

Appear in the Children’s Court (Criminal Division), Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Koori Courts

Support and participate in the after-hours criminal solicitor service

Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships across courts, prosecution, community organisations and justice partners

Contribute to law reform, policy advocacy and community legal education

Ensure compliance with legislation, VALS policies and legal practice standards

Travel within Victoria as required

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

A current unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate

Advanced post-admission experience in criminal law, including advocacy in complex matters

Accredited Criminal Law Specialist (Law Institute of Victoria)

Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system

Proven experience managing legal teams, supervising staff, and supporting professional development

Strong ability to provide strategic legal advice and manage complex caseloads

Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills

Current Victorian Driver Licence

Employee Working with Children Check and National Police Check

Australian work rights

What We Offer

17.5% Annual Leave Loading

5 extra days paid leave per year (on top of standard 20 days annual leave)

Generous salary packaging up to $15,900

Additional salary packaging benefits for meals & entertainment

Flexible and hybrid working options

Access to professional development and training

Work in a culturally safe and community-focused organisation

Meaningful work that supports self-determination and social justice

How to Apply

To apply, please provide:

A cover letter introducing yourself and why you’re interested in the role

A statement addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria

Your current resume, including two referees

Email your application to [email protected] using the subject line:
Application – Managing Lawyer (Criminal Law)

VALS strongly encourages Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We are committed to a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace. We do not accept agency submissions.