Location: Preston, VIC
Employment Type: Full-Time | Ongoing
Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
Salary: $101,410.40 – $105,905.80 + 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.

About Balit Ngulu (Youth Justice)

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

As a Senior Lawyer (Youth Crime), you will lead the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people facing criminal charges in the Children’s Court (Criminal Division), Koori Courts, Magistrates’ Court, and higher jurisdictions.

You will provide senior advocacy, supervision, and mentoring for junior lawyers, contribute to case-planning, and play a key role in community legal education, law reform, and diversion-focused initiatives. Working within the Balit Ngulu (Youth Justice) team, this is a meaningful opportunity to advance social justice, youth empowerment, and systemic change within a culturally safe environment.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, including senior advocacy in relevant courts.

Supervise, mentor, and support junior legal staff, contributing to their development and professional growth.

Participate in community legal education (CLE), law reform, and Balit Ngulu projects with a focus on early intervention and culturally safe outcomes.

Engage in case-planning meetings to ensure consistent oversight of criminal law casework and outcomes.

Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Victoria Legal Aid, the Victorian Bar, ACCOs, Youth Justice, and other key partners.

Stay up to date with developments in law, procedure, and youth justice issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Travel within metropolitan Melbourne and occasionally to regional areas as required.

About You

Admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria with an unsupervised practising certificate.

At least 3+ years’ post-admission experience as a legal practitioner with demonstrated experience in criminal law and youth justice.

Strong advocacy and casework skills in complex matters involving children and young people.

Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop junior lawyers.

In-depth understanding of youth justice issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including intersections with the child protection system.

Excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Sound cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities.

Competency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn VALS’ client database systems.

Current Employee Working with Children Check, National Police Check, and Victorian Driver’s Licence.

What We Offer

17.5% Leave Loading

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

Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia

Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team

Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment

How to Apply

To apply, please provide:

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

Submit your application to [email protected] using the subject line:
‘Application for Senior Lawyer (Youth Crime) 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.