• Location: Preston, VIC
• Employment Type: Full-time - 12-month fixed term (strong potential for renewal)
• Salary: $120,000 + super + Salary Packaging
• Flexibility: 2 days WFH

Make an Impact Where It Matters

VALS is Victoria's only specialist legal service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We deliver culturally safe legal representation and holistic support across the justice system and advocate for systemic reform.

We are seeking an experienced Managing Lawyer (Criminal Law) to support the Principal Managing Lawyer in leading a high‑performing criminal law practice.

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the only specialist legal service in Victoria dedicated exclusively to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For over 50 years, VALS has delivered culturally safe legal advice, representation, and wrap‑around support across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation.

We are committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership and hands‑on legal role. You will oversee day‑to‑day operations, supervise and mentor criminal lawyers and paralegals, manage complex casework, and appear in Magistrates', Children's, County and Koori Courts. You'll also contribute to staff development, stakeholder engagement, and law reform initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day operations of the Criminal Law practice, including court rosters, file allocation and after‑hours services
• Supervise, mentor and support criminal law solicitors, paralegals and volunteers
• Conduct regular case planning, supervision, and career development reviews
• Appear as advocate across Magistrates', Children's, County and Koori Courts
• Manage and undertake complex criminal law matter casework, including serious indictable matters
• Ensure the delivery of culturally safe, high‑quality legal representation
• Contribute to staff training, community legal education, and in‑house professional development
• Represent VALS in stakeholder forums, networks, and law reform or policy advocacy
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high‑performing team culture

What You'll Bring

• Unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate and substantial post‑admission experience
• Advanced criminal advocacy experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and develop legal practitioners
• Strong understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the justice system
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills

Mandatory Requirements

• Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Criminal Law Specialist
• Employee Working with Children Check
• National Criminal History Check
• Valid Victorian Driver's Licence
• Proof of Australian work rights

Why Join VALS?

• Meaningful work that contributes to community justice and systemic change
• Supportive, values‑driven and culturally rich workplace
• Opportunity to lead and mentor the next generation of criminal lawyers
• Work within a holistic, client‑centred legal service model