New Lawyers Program: Social Justice Advocate

Victoria Legal Aid; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 81,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900

Hybrid work from home & office

Paid seasonal leave

Gender affirmation leave

Annual salary increases

Myki public transport discounts

Job summary

Victoria Legal Aid is launching the 2027 New Lawyers Program, a structured two-year pathway designed to accelerate your legal career through three eight-month placements. You will rotate across criminal law, family law, civil justice, and access to justice services, gaining hands-on experience and mentoring from senior lawyers.

At the end of the program, you move into an ongoing lawyer role within VLA, with regional placements available to broaden your experience and deepen your commitment to

Qualifications

• Eligibility to hold a Practicing Certificate to practice law in Victoria by 31 January 2027 with less than 12 months' post‑admission experience.
• Commitment to building a sustainable, socially impactful legal career.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to explain complex law in plain English.
• Resilience, reflection and self‑leadership to manage high‑stakes, potentially distressing work.
• Interest in working across diverse legal areas and willingness to relocate regionally.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through three placements, each eight months long, gaining hands-on experience in different areas of law.
• Represent clients who need support and transition into an ongoing lawyer role within VLA after completion.
• Work across criminal law, family law, civil justice, and access to justice services.

Job description

Victoria Legal Aid is launching the 2027 New Lawyers Program, a structured two-year pathway designed to accelerate your legal career through three eight-month placements. You will rotate across criminal law, family law, civil justice, and access to justice services, gaining hands-on experience and mentoring from senior lawyers.

At the end of the program, you move into an ongoing lawyer role within VLA, with regional placements available to broaden your experience and deepen your commitment to