Managing Lawyer

State of Victoria; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 131,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid model

Salary packaging up to $15,900

Meals & Entertainment benefits

Generous leave benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Victoria Legal Aid in Melbourne seeks a seasoned Managing Lawyer to lead a busy regional team across civil, criminal, children’s and family law, driving service delivery and continuous improvement. You will shape practice standards, develop a high-performing team, and influence stakeholders across courts and government.

The role offers a flexible hybrid model, full-time ongoing with part-time considered, and a salary range to attract an experienced senior lawyer committed to access to justice.

Qualifications

• Strong judgement and problem-solving skills for complex legal and operational matters.
• Practical and open approach to change, with an interest in improving how legal services are delivered.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with a wide range of people and build good relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of high-quality legal services across civil, criminal, children’s and family law.
• Develop lawyers and managers and foster a positive, safe and high-performing team culture.
• Shape quality, practice standards and new approaches to service delivery.
• Influence how VLA works with courts, government, community and legal stakeholders across the region.
• Drive better outcomes for clients and the broader Dandenong community.

Skills

People leadership

Legal judgment

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Team development

Job description

About this roleAbout the roleThis is a unique opportunity for an experienced lawyer and people leader to take a senior leadership role in one of Victoria Legal Aid's busiest and most diverse regional teams.Based in the heart of one of Victoria's most diverse communities, this role offers the opportunity to lead legal services that have a direct and meaningful impact on people across the region.As Managing Lawyer, you'll help shape how legal services are delivered across civil justice, criminal, children's and family law, while leading and developing a team of lawyers and managers.You'll work at the intersection of legal practice, people leadership, service design and community impact driving quality, supporting innovation and building strong relationships with courts, government, community and legal stakeholders.What makes this role stand out:Senior leadership opportunity - lead a diverse legal practice with a team of primarily Deputy Managing Lawyers.Real influence - shape practice, service delivery and continuous improvement across the region.Breadth and complexity - oversee services across civil, criminal, children's and family law and multiple courts and jurisdictions.Meaningful community impact - help ensure people experiencing disadvantage can access high-quality legal assistance.Flexible opportunity - full-time ongoing, with part-time arrangements considered.The role at a glance:Location: Dandenong, Bunurong CountryFull-time ongoing (part-time considered)Salary range $131,154 - $155,000 plus superSalary packaging: Up to $15,900, plus Meals & Entertainment benefitsWork arrangements: Flexible hybrid modelIn this role, you will:Lead the delivery of high-quality legal services across four areas of law.Develop lawyers and managers and foster a positive, safe and high-performing team culture.Shape quality, practice standards and new approaches to service delivery.Influence how VLA works with courts, government, community and legal stakeholders across the region.Drive better outcomes for clients and the broader Dandenong community.About youAs our ideal candidate, you will possess:Strong judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex legal and operational matters.A practical and open approach to change, with an interest in improving how legal services are delivered.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with a wide range of people and build good relationships.The ability to work well in a busy and changing environment, while staying focused on clients and the needs of the team.A strong commitment to quality legal services and client outcomes, with a focus on access to justice.A genuine commitment to supporting the local community and improving outcomes for people who need legal assistance.Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.About VLAWe offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1500+ staff employed in 16 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 benefitsA focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangementsHybrid work from home & office modelGenerous leave benefits, including:Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)Paid gender affirmation leaveFive days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar yearAnnual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentivesAttractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated LeasingDiscounted annual Myki public transport passesIndividual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goalsFree annual flu vaccinationsAccess to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.How to applyTo be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter.If you require 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 our team.For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Rebecca Burgmann, Associate Director on [phone] or [e-mail] agency applications will be accepted.Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 4 October 2026.Other relevant informationIt 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.Job detailsJob Reference: VG/VLA/RSD/1944688Location: Melbourne - Southern MetroWork Type: Ongoing - full timeJob Function: LegalClassification: WVR 5.1 - 51LO5ASalary Range: $131,154 - $155,000Job Duration: OngoingDate posted: 15-Sep-2026Application Close Date: 04-Oct-2026