• Salary: $115,000 + Super + Salary Packaging
• Location: Preston, VIC
• Employment Type: Full Time, 12 months Fixed Term

Use your advocacy to create lasting change

This is more than a legal role — it's an opportunity to stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and help drive better outcomes in the justice system.

Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is looking for a Senior Youth Advocate to join Balit Ngulu, our specialised youth justice program. In this role, you'll provide expert legal representation, lead complex matters, mentor others, and contribute to culturally safe, trauma-informed practice that makes a real difference in community.

Why join us?

At VALS, your work has purpose, impact and meaning. You'll be part of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation with a long-standing commitment to justice, self-determination and community empowerment.This is a chance to:

• Work in a role where your advocacy directly impacts young people's lives
• Join a values-led organisation committed to cultural safety and systemic change
• Contribute to a specialist youth justice practice with strong community connection
• Take on senior, meaningful legal work while supporting and mentoring others
• Be part of a team that is passionate, collaborative and driven by purpose
• 17.5% Leave Loading
• 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia

About the role

You will:

• Appear in the Children's Court, Magistrates' Court and County Court including all Koori Courts as required.
• Manage complex youth crime matters and provide high-level legal advice
• Support case strategy, mentoring and practice leadership within the team
• Build strong relationships across community, legal and justice sectors
• Deliver culturally safe legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people

About you

You will bring:

• Admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria
• At least 4 years' experience in criminal law
• Strong advocacy experience, ideally including youth crime matters
• The ability to lead, mentor and support others
• A genuine commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice and self-determination

next steps

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

VALS welcomes applications from people of diverse cultures, identities and lived experiences.