Advocate, Civil Justice

Victoria Legal Aid; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 98,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal services agency in Melbourne is seeking a dedicated Senior Civil Lawyer to provide high-quality legal services in civil law matters. You will engage in casework, offer legal advice, and represent clients in important tribunals with a focus on mental health and disability rights. The role promotes a hybrid work model, emphasizing work-life balance and professional development opportunities. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, ensuring representation for all community members.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training and professional development

Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

Qualifications

• Proven ability to handle complex civil matters including mental health and disability law.
• Extensive knowledge of civil law and relevant court procedures.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on legal and policy issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and casework in civil law matters.
• Represent clients in various courts and tribunals.
• Supervise legal work and mentor staff.

Skills

Complex civil matters handling

Knowledge in civil law

Interpersonal communication skills

Mentoring and supervision

Education

Current Australian practising certificate

Job description

Dedicated Senior Civil Lawyer to provide impactful high-quality legal services in the Peninsula region making a real difference in the community.

• Full time ongoing position (part-time applications considered)
• Salary range : $98,902 - $123,624 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking a dedicated Senior Lawyer to join our team and deliver high-quality legal services in civil law matters across the Peninsula region. This role involves providing expert legal advice, casework, and duty lawyer services in areas such as mental health, disability law, tenancy, social security, NDIS, and fines. You will also represent clients in various courts and tribunals, including the Mental Health Tribunal and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

This role is based at our Frankston office on Bunurong Country.

As our ideal candidate, you will possess

• Proven ability to handle complex civil matters within VLA's Civil Justice Program, with a focus on mental health and disability law.
• Extensive knowledge or practical experience in civil law and relevant court procedures.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on legal and policy issues and understand the role of external organisations and community groups in legal service delivery.
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in effectively engaging with socially and economically disadvantaged clients.
• Ability to supervise legal work, mentor staff, and contribute to their development in civil law service delivery.
• A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).

Why the Peninsula

The Peninsula region offers a unique blend of coastal charm and vibrant community life. With stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches and lush landscapes, it's an ideal place for both work and leisure. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with excellent local amenities, a strong sense of community, and easy access to major urban centres.

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

About Victoria Legal Aid : We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1000 staff employed in 15 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please submit a current resume and completed candidate application form (listed within the file attachments).

If you require workplace adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with .

For further information review the attached position description or contact Tara Bressan, Regional Manager on [phone].

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by on Monday 2 September 2024

Other relevant information

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.