OVERVIEW

The Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information on criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.

WHAT A DAY AS A CRIMINAL LAWYER LOOKS LIKE:

1. Under the supervision of the Senior Criminal Lawyers and the Executive Officer Legal Practice, appear with leave as an advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court Criminal Division, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts in order to represent clients of VALS in criminal matters.
2. Under the supervision of the Senior Criminal Lawyers and the Legal Practice Manager, deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters for members of the ATSI community.
3. Participate in the on call after hours roster and Under the supervision of the Senior Criminal Lawyers and the Executive Officer Legal Practice provide emergency advice to members of the ATSI community in Victoria. Further, ensure all VALS clients are represented whilst in custody.
4. Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.
5. Participate in case-planning meetings with the criminal law section weekly.
6. Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid and other community organizations with whom VALS interacts.
7. Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
8. You will be required to travel across Victoria to deliver services to the ATSI community. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria;
• Substantial knowledge of and practical experience in the law and court procedures with a focus on the criminal law jurisdiction;
• Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

DESIRABLE

• Member or eligible to be a Victoria Legal Aid Panel member for summary, indictable and youth matters;
• Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector.

A position description is attached.