Senior Lawyer and Project Officer

• Full time maximum term position up to two years (part time 0.8 FTE applications considered)
• Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role
You will support Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) to develop and implement family law service delivery improvements including providing strategic and policy advice, working on organisational initiatives and projects, developing and implementing professional development (education, training and mentorship) in the area of family law for VLA staff, private practitioners and Community Legal Centre lawyers.

These roles engage with internal and external stakeholders and provide a limited number of high-quality legal services including legal advice, family law duty lawyer services, casework and representation (including negotiation and dispute resolution on behalf of clients).

We are recruiting for two positions; one of the roles will be substantially responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Family Advocacy Support Services program, which will include engaging with the internal stakeholders in this program and direct operational management of the FASS Court Intake Specialists. This role will still undertake the other aspects of the role including family law case work and project work, but to a lesser extent. This role is perfect for a candidate who enjoys family law casework, but wants to develop and extend their management skills, project work and policy work.

The other role will assist with the day-to-day operations of the FASS program when required but will be primarily undertaking the other aspects of the role. This role is perfect for the candidate who is primarily focused on developing subject matter expertise in family law and developing skills in project work and policy.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country; however, we are open to the successful candidate being based at a regional office with a requirement of attending the Melbourne office once a fortnight.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• A current unrestricted Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner.
• Entitled to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners).
• Demonstrated experience conducting complex casework, in-court advocacy negotiation and dispute resolution on behalf of clients in family law and family violence matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
• Substantial knowledge and practical experience in the law and relevant court procedures with a focus on the family law and family violence jurisdiction.
• High level interpersonal and communication skills.

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 VLA
We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 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 benefits

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model 
• Generous leave benefits, including:
  • Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
  • Paid gender affirmation leave
  • Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
• Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
• Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

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 Victoria Byrne, Program Manager - Family Law on (03) •••• •400 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 30 August 2026.

Other relevant information
It 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.