• Full time ongoing position (part time applications considered)
• Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role

We are seeking a motivated Associate In-House Counsel who can provide high quality legal representation and advice to Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA) clients and appear as Counsel in matters on behalf of VLA clients before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Family Division of the Children's Court, the Magistrates' and other Courts and Tribunals.

In collaboration with other Chambers Advocates, you will provide advice and responses to law reform proposals. You will also be responsible for enhancing the professional development of lawyers in the Family, Youth and Children's Law program by delivering training programs and developing in-house staff advocacy skills.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Experience in advocacy and the preparation of complex litigation.
• Knowledge and experience in the practice of Family, Youth and Children's Law and working as an advocate in complex matters.
• Demonstrated skills in providing high level advice (oral and written) on legal and policy issues within limited time constraints.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with staff, special needs clients and external stakeholders and other organisations.
• Ability to mentor and train legal staff in the development of their advocacy skills and knowledge of Family, Youth and Children's law.
• A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).
• Entitled to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners) (mandatory).
• A current Working With Children Check or eligibility to apply for a Check (mandatory).

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLA

We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model 
• Generous leave benefits, including:
  • Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
  • Paid gender affirmation leave
  • Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
• Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
• Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply

To be considered for this role, submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria via the "Apply Now" button.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team [email protected] using the subject line: Associate In-House Counsel - VLA Chambers enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Nadine Di Blasi, Acting Senior In-House Counsel, Family and Children's Law on (03) 9269 0208 or Renee Rao, Recruitment & Retention Consultant on [email protected].

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on the closing date.

Other relevant information

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. This role also requires travel to metropolitan and regional Court locations. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

A position description is attached.