• Make real impact in urgent, complex family violence matters statewide.
• Join a multidisciplinary ACCO team—legal, cultural and client support.
• Lead, mentor, and help drive system change on misidentification.

• Preston VIC (with metro + regional work).
• Full-time - 12-month fixed term.
• $115,000 + super + salary packaging.

If you're a senior lawyer who wants your advocacy to count for more than just the next listing date, this role offers complex, urgent work where your skill and judgment directly shape safety, liberty, family connection and cultural identity.

VALS is Victoria's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our Family Violence Service brings together legal, social and cultural expertise to deliver coordinated, culturally safe responses - side by side with family violence practitioners, Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) workers and support staff.

The Role

As a Specialist Family Violence Lawyer, you will lead high-impact casework at the intersection of family violence, criminal law and systemic injustice. You'll run complex matters, work within a multidisciplinary practice model, and contribute to service development and broader system improvement - particularly in relation to misidentification in family violence contexts.This is a role for someone who can think strategically, act decisively, and bring calm authority to high-risk, high-consequence legal work.

What you'll be doing

• Running complex family violence-related matters including intervention orders, criminal proceedings, bail applications and hearings
• Delivering strong, clear advice and advocacy in matters involving urgent risk, multiple systems and competing pressures (courts, police, child protection)
• Working in an integrated model: risk assessment, case conferencing and integrated case planning with FV practitioners and ACE workers
• Managing legally aided matters and ensuring strong file practice, compliance and reporting
• Building effective working relationships with ACCOs, Victoria Police, courts, Victoria Legal Aid and other stakeholders
• Contributing to community legal education and sector engagement
• Identifying systemic issues and contributing to law reform, policy and advocacy, including work focused on misidentification and justice system responses

What we're looking for

• At least 3 years post-admission experience, with demonstrated capability managing complex matters in family violence, criminal law, family law or related jurisdictions
• A strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences in family violence contexts, including misidentification, intergenerational trauma and systemic disadvantage
• Confident advocacy and casework skills, with a culturally safe and trauma-informed approach
• The maturity and capability to mentor and support developing lawyers and contribute to team practice
• Strong written and verbal communication, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Competency with common office software and client management systems

Mandatory requirements

• Current Employee Working with Children Check
• Victorian Driver Licence
• National Criminal History Check
• Evidence of right to work in Australia
• Relevant qualifications

About VALS

Established in 1973, VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) delivering culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation - alongside broader supports including a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, family violence programs, transitional housing supports, one-to-one client support and community legal education.

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, LGBTISBQ communities and diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.