Overview

To provide high quality legal services, including information, advice, representation, casework, negotiation and dispute resolution, and outreach services primarily in Family Law matters with a focus on family violence and related hearings in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Courts of Australia on behalf of members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) community in Victoria. This position also requires a willingness to conduct child protection matters.

To engage with and participate in VALS projects, policy and law reform initiatives, and community and professional legal education programs.

Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility

1. Appear as an advocate on behalf of VALS clients in Family Law proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Courts of Australia, and at other state-wide locations as required.
2. Deliver high quality legal services, including information, advice and casework on behalf of VALS clients in Family Law matters and other related matters as required.
3. Maintain a substantial caseload in Family Law matters.
4. Prepare and comply with applications for grants of legal assistance and reporting requirements for matters eligible for Victoria Legal Aid funding.
5. Attend, participate and contribute to the planning, service delivery and continuous improvement of the Family Law Practice and VALS.
6. Contribute to VALS projects, policy and law reform initiatives, and community and professional legal education programs as required.
7. Contribute to the collaborative relationship with Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations with which VALS interacts.
8. Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues, risks and trends impacting upon the provision of relevant legal services and members of the ATSI community in Victoria.

Key Selection Criteria

1. Admitted as a legal practitioner for a minimum of 2 years in Victoria and in the High Court of Australia.
2. Demonstrated ability to act as an advocate, deliver information, advice, casework and outreach services, and undertake negotiation and dispute resolution on behalf of VALS clients in Family Violence, Intervention Order and, to a lesser extent, Family Law matters.
3. Knowledge of and practical experience in relevant law and procedure, with a focus on Family Violence Intervention Orders and Family Law and willingness to conduct child protection matters,
4. Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the ATSI community, VALS staff and other community organisations with which VALS interacts.
5. A commitment to and understanding of the legal issues faced by members of the ATSI community.
6. Demonstrated ability for quick and accurate decision-making and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
7. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.
8. A knowledge of and commitment to the principles and values of the VALS.
9. Competency in the use of MS Office software (Word, Excel, E-mail) and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of the VALS’ client database.