• 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 | Metro & Regional Court Work
• Full Time | 12-Month Fixed Term
• $115,000 + Super + Generous Salary Packaging

At Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), you'll represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients experiencing some of the most complex family violence matters in Victoria. You'll advocate in court, work alongside experienced family violence practitioners and Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) workers, and help shape a justice system that better serves Aboriginal communities.

This is an opportunity for an experienced lawyer who wants meaningful advocacy, complex litigation, and the chance to influence systemic change.

Why join VALS?

At VALS, you'll do work that matters every single day while being supported by a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
We offer:

• Generous salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• Flexible and supportive working arrangements
• A genuinely collaborative workplace with legal, cultural and wellbeing professionals working together
• Ongoing professional development and mentoring
• The opportunity to contribute to law reform and systemic advocacy
• A culturally safe organisation committed to social justice and self-determination

About the role

As our Specialist Family Violence Lawyer, you'll manage complex legal matters involving family violence, criminal law and related jurisdictions while working within an integrated practice model.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys challenging advocacy, strategic legal thinking and working closely with clients and multidisciplinary professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes.

You'll be trusted to exercise sound judgement, lead complex casework and contribute to improving the justice system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Your day-to-day work will include

• Managing complex intervention order, criminal and related proceedings
• Appearing in court, conducting hearings and advocating for clients
• Providing practical, high-quality legal advice in urgent and high-risk situations
• Working closely with Family Violence Practitioners and Aboriginal Community Engagement Workers through integrated case planning
• Building strong relationships with courts, Victoria Legal Aid, Victoria Police, ACCOs and community partners
• Contributing to community legal education, policy development and law reform initiatives
• Identifying systemic issues, particularly around family violence misidentification, and helping improve justice responses

About you

You'll be an experienced lawyer who combines excellent advocacy skills with a genuine commitment to culturally safe practice.

You'll bring:

• At least 3 years' post-admission experience
• Strong experience in family violence, criminal law, family law or related jurisdictions
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation and legal writing skills
• The ability to manage complex matters involving multiple agencies and competing priorities
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• A trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach to client service
• An understanding of the unique experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the impacts of intergenerational trauma, systemic disadvantage and family violence misidentification

Mandatory requirements

• Current Employee Working with Children Check
• Current Victorian Driver Licence
• National Criminal History Check
• Right to work in Australia
• Relevant legal qualifications and eligibility to practise in Victoria

About VALS

Since 1973, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been the only specialist legal and community support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Victoria.

As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, we provide culturally safe legal services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation. We also deliver a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, family violence programs, transitional housing supports, community legal education and holistic client support.

Our work is grounded in self-determination, cultural safety and improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of LGBTISBQ+ communities and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

next steps

If you're looking for a role where your advocacy extends beyond the courtroom and contributes to real change, we'd love to hear from you. 

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