• $115,000 + Super + Salary Packaging
• Preston, VIC
• Work with purpose, meaning, and impact
• Employment Type: Full Time, 12 months Fixed Term (strong potential for renewal)

Help shape better justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Every day, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people face a justice system that can be complex, challenging and life-changing.

At the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), we believe legal advocacy can be a powerful tool for change.

We're seeking an experienced criminal lawyer to join our specialist Balit Ngulu Youth Justice Team. This is an opportunity to take carriage of complex matters, appear regularly in court, mentor junior practitioners, and contribute to a culturally safe, trauma-informed practice that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across Victoria.

If you're looking for legal work that combines advocacy, leadership and genuine social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Why join VALS?

VALS is one of Australia's leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, with a proud history of advancing justice, self-determination and community empowerment.

When you join VALS, you'll receive:

• Salary of $115,000 plus Super
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 per year through Maxxia
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• 25 days annual leave
• Opportunity to work in a highly respected specialist youth justice practice
• Meaningful advocacy that directly impacts young people's lives
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Professional development and leadership opportunities
• The opportunity to contribute to systemic change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

About the role

As a Youth Crime Specialist Lawyer, you will provide high-quality legal representation and advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people involved in the criminal justice system.

You will:

• Appear in the Children's Court, Magistrates' Court and County Court, including Koori Courts
• Manage a complex caseload of youth crime matters
• Provide strategic legal advice and advocacy
• Support and mentor lawyers and other team members
• Contribute to legal practice development and quality improvement
• Build strong relationships with community, justice agencies and sector stakeholders
• Deliver culturally safe and trauma-informed legal services
• Help identify and address systemic issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

About you

To be successful, you will have:

• Admission to practise as an Australian Lawyer in Victoria (or eligibility for admission)
• Demonstrated experience in criminal law practice
• Strong advocacy and court appearance skills
• Experience managing complex legal matters and competing priorities
• The ability to mentor, guide and support less experienced practitioners
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• A commitment to culturally safe practice and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Highly regarded

• Experience in youth crime or Children's Court matters
• Experience working within community legal, Aboriginal Community Controlled, legal aid or social justice environments

Working at VALS

VALS is committed to providing a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

Our work is grounded in community, respect, accountability and self-determination. We welcome candidates who are passionate about using their legal skills to create meaningful change.

Apply now and use your advocacy to help create better futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.