Lawyer (Family Law)

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 82,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (2 days WFH)

Salary packaging

CPD opportunities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) in Preston, VIC is seeking a dedicated Lawyer for the Aboriginal Families Practice. You will provide high-quality advocacy in family law, family violence and child protection matters, with regular court appearances and a focus on culturally safe practice.

The role is a 12-month fixed term with strong renewal potential, hybrid work up to two days WFH, and a salary of $91,455 plus super and salary packaging. VALS supports CPD and professional development.

Qualifications

• Admission as a legal practitioner with at least two years post-admission experience.
• Experience in family law, family violence and intervention order matters.
• Willingness to practise in child protection law.
• Commitment to culturally safe and trauma-informed legal practice.
• Admitted to Victoria and High Court of Australia.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice, advocacy and representation in family law matters.
• Appear in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and higher Courts.
• Manage a substantial and varied legal caseload.
• Prepare Legal Aid applications and reporting.
• Represent clients in family violence and intervention order matters.
• Undertake child protection matters.
• Build collaborative relationships with Victoria Legal Aid and community partners.
• Participate in law reform and community legal education.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant law and practice.

Skills

Advocacy

Courtroom experience

Written communication

Negotiation

Client management

Cultural safety

Trauma-informed practice

Collaboration

Education

Australian Legal Practitioner admission

Admission in Victoria & High Court

Job description

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Preston VIC

$91,455 - $91,455 a year

Contract, Full time

Hybrid

4mo ago , from Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Location:Preston, VIC (with travel across Victoria as required)
Employment Type:Full Time, 12-month Fixed Term (strong potential for renewal)
Salary: $91,455.00 + Super + Salary Packaging
Flexibility:2-days WFH

Every family deserves access to culturally safe legal representation.

As a Lawyer in the Aboriginal Families Practice at Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), you’ll provide high-quality legal advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing family law, family violence and child protection matters. Your work will help families navigate complex legal systems while contributing to stronger outcomes for communities across Victoria.

If you’re looking for a role where your advocacy has genuine purpose and impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About VALS

Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is the state’s only Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation dedicated to providing specialist legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Since 1973, we’ve provided culturally safe legal advice, representation and advocacy across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation. We also deliver a range of holistic support services, including our 24/7 Custody Notification Service, family violence programs, housing support and community legal education.

Why join VALS?

At VALS, you’ll be part of a collaborative legal team committed to improving access to justice.

We offer:

• Salary of $87,305.40 plus Super
• Attractive salary packaging benefits
• Ongoing professional development and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative legal practice
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

About the role

Reporting to the Principal Managing Lawyer, you’ll provide legal advice, advocacy and representation in family law matters, with a strong focus on family violence and intervention order proceedings.

You’ll regularly appear in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, manage a diverse caseload, prepare funded matters through Victoria Legal Aid, and work closely with clients, community organisations and multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best possible outcomes.

You will also be supported to undertake child protection matters as part of your practice.

Key responsibilities

You’ll:

• Provide high-quality legal advice, casework and representation in family law matters
• Appear as an advocate in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
• Manage a substantial and varied legal caseload
• Prepare Legal Aid applications and meet reporting requirements
• Represent clients in family violence and intervention order matters
• Undertake child protection matters
• Build collaborative relationships with Victoria Legal Aid and community partners
• Participate in law reform, community legal education and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and legal practice

About you

• Admission as an Australian Legal Practitioner with at least two years’ post-admission experience
• Experience in family law, family violence and intervention order matters
• A willingness to practise in child protection law
• Strong advocacy and courtroom experience
• Excellent written communication, negotiation and client management skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a busy legal practice
• A commitment to culturally safe and trauma-informed legal practice
• Strong collaboration skills and a commitment to continuous learning
• A genuine commitment to improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Admitted to legal practice in Victoria and the High Court of Australia
• Current Victorian Driver Licence
• Employee Working with Children Check
• National Criminal History Check

If you’re passionate about advocacy, social justice and delivering culturally safe legal services, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today.