Organisation

For over 35 years, Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service (BGCLS) has stood alongside communities across Western Victoria, delivering free and accessible legal support to people experiencing disadvantage across 11 local government areas.

Guided by the principles of social justice, BGCLS partners with individuals, families and communities to create meaningful change—through legal assistance, education, and advocacy that empowers and informs.

As they look to the future, BGCLS is launching a bold strategy for 2025–2027. At its heart is a deep commitment to evolving with community needs by providing integrated, accessible, and culturally safe legal services that are responsive, inclusive and grounded in trust.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Gifted leave for Xmas closure
• Salary packaging and competitive remuneration
• Flexible environment to support work-life balance
• Part-time (0.8) option available

Your Impact

As Director of Legal, you’ll oversee a high-performing team, provide strategic advice to the CEO and Board, and represent the organisation across legal, government, and community sectors.

Specifically, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership across legal services, policy, and law reform.
• Oversee legal governance, ensuring compliance with professional standards and risk management frameworks.
• Mentor and support senior lawyers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Design responsive, client-centred legal services aligned with organisational strategy.
• Build and sustain sector partnerships to strengthen impact and reach.
• Represent the organisation in high-level forums, funding negotiations, and external submissions.

What you bring

You are a dynamic and collaborative leader who brings both big-picture thinking and operational rigour. You understand the complexities of community legal work and are energised by the opportunity to lead a team making a real difference.

You will have:

• A current or eligible Principal Practising Certificate (Victoria) with Trust Account certification.
• Senior-level legal experience, ideally within a Community Legal Centre or access to justice environment.
• A track record in managing legal teams, fostering professional development, and delivering complex legal services.
• Strong understanding of the legal needs of disadvantaged groups and experience in representing clients in the Magistrates' Court, including in family violence matters.
• A collaborative leadership style with excellent communication, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to community engagement, social justice, and law reform.

If you are an experienced legal leader with a heart for community, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now by submitting your resume and cover letter. Alternatively, call Emma Naglieri on 0421 720 596 for a confidential discussion.