Lawyer (Family Law)

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
 
Advocate for Aboriginal families. Create lasting change.
 
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
• Full-time fixed-term employment
• 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
You'll bring:

• 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

Essential requirements

• 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
• Australian work rights

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