Legal Assistant – Hybrid Work & Court Support

Legal Aid; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid in Melbourne seeks a highly organized Legal Assistant to support our legal team with drafting briefs, managing case files, and liaising with clients and witnesses. The role requires careful attention to detail and familiarity with legal terminology.

You will assist with court filings, schedule meetings, and conduct basic legal research using standard databases, contributing to efficient case progression across metropolitan locations.

Qualifications

• Degree in legal studies or related field.
• 1–2 years of experience as a legal assistant or in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of legal terminology and procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research databases.

Responsibilities

• Assist lawyers in preparing legal documents, such as briefs, pleadings, and contracts.
• Conduct legal research and gather relevant information for cases.
• Manage and organize case files and documents.
• Schedule appointments and meetings for lawyers.
• Communicate with clients, witnesses, and other parties involved in legal cases.
• Prepare and file legal documents with courts and government agencies.
• Assist with trial preparation, including organising exhibits and preparing witness lists.
• Perform other administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Excellent communication

Detail-oriented

Multitasking & prioritisation

Legal terminology knowledge

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research databases

Job description

Job Description

Summary:

We are seeking a highly organized and detail‑oriented Legal Assistant to provide administrative support to our legal team. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, be able to multitask and prioritise tasks effectively, and have a strong understanding of legal terminology and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Assist lawyers in preparing legal documents, such as briefs, pleadings, and contracts
• Conduct legal research and gather relevant information for cases
• Manage and organize case files and documents
• Schedule appointments and meetings for lawyers
• Communicate with clients, witnesses, and other parties involved in legal cases
• Prepare and file legal documents with courts and government agencies
• Assist with trial preparation, including organising exhibits and preparing witness lists
• Perform other administrative tasks as needed

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or related field
• 1-2 years of experience as a legal assistant or in a similar role
• Strong understanding of legal terminology and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research databases

About the role:

This role's initial duties will be based within the Melbourne Prosecutions Unit, providing support to the Melbourne Magistrates' and Children's Courts. As operational needs evolve, opportunities may arise to undertake duties across a range of metropolitan locations, offering exposure to different areas of the business.

Your duties will include:

• Receiving, recording, management, and maintenance of records for large volumes of briefs of evidence in hard copy and electronically, in a timely and efficient manner with attention to accuracy.
• Preparing briefs for court by cross‑referencing the court list against filed and electronic briefs.
• Effective communication and maintenance of professional relationships and with key stakeholders to ensure the team functions efficiently and effectively.
• Answering enquiries and reception duties including authoritative and timely advice to managers and other key stakeholders.
• Monitoring and actioning group email accounts.
• Sorting/booking incoming and outgoing mail.
• Undertaking other duties as required by line managers.

As the successful applicant, you will have:

• A high level of planning and organisation skill with demonstrated ability to adhere to critical timelines and security requirements.
• The ability to work well within a small team environment and autonomously.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and maintain good working relationships with a diverse range of customers both internal and external to ensure the team goals are met.
• Demonstrated ability to exemplify, maintain self‑discipline and organisation skills with the capacity to provide the levels of integrity and professionalism required by the unit.
• Flexibility to adapt to and be a champion of change as is necessary for the unit's function.
• Previous experience within Legal Services and/or Criminal Justice Degree will be highly regarded.
• A proven record of ethical behaviour and a demonstrated commitment to the Victoria Police code of Ethics and Organisational Values.
• Working autonomously on specific tasks to ensure they are completed in an appropriate timeframe.

Requirements and relevant information:

• The salary range for a VPS2 role is $62,104 to $79,753 (covering salary ranges VPSG2.1 and VPSG2.2). Although it is standard practice for selected candidates to commence at the base of the salary range, genuine consideration will be given to a commencement salary within the available range that is commensurate with the successful candidate's knowledge, skills and experiences. This will be subject to negotiations with the Hiring Manager in the course of the selection process and may include the provision of evidence of a higher income and/or supporting documentation (as required).
• As a member of the CPSD you will be located on selection, at a specific office for a particular advertised opportunity. The primary location for this position is 456 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, however, given occasional legal service demand issues you may be required at times to undertake varied work within the Department. This promotes professional development opportunities in a range of legal domains and supports the Department's commitment to a flexible and deployable legal workforce.
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
• The successful applicant will be required to undergo pre‑employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.

Location:

456 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Salary Range:

$62,104 to $79,753

Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from people with disability and aim to support an inclusive recruitment experience. If you require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirement/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process (including an alternate method of submission of the application), please contact VPS Recruitment via email or on.

About Us:

Victoria Police has a dedicated workforce of more than 22,000 employees consisting of police, protective services officers, police custody officers, and public service staff. Each employee plays a vital role in providing the 24/7, 365 days a year emergency response and public safety capability the organisation delivers to its community. As a Victoria Police employee, you have a dedication and commitment to community safety.

Victoria Police is committed to creating a workplace that is safe and inclusive of all our people. We empower and expect our people, at all levels, to develop interpersonal connections and collaborate, use sound judgement, and create and innovate.

We value the diversity and differences of our employees, including their age, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, and life experience. We celebrate these diverse experiences and perspectives as each person brings an informed and contemporary approach to our work which enhances the wellbeing of all. We aim to provide a safe place that is reflective of the community it serves, allowing everyone to bring their whole selves to work.