• 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 an Associate Public Defender to join Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) Chambers and provide high quality advocacy for legally aided clients in a range of Civil Justice matters in all courts and tribunals, including:

• social security, tenancy, significant fines debt, NDIS matters
• matters involving the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Fitness to the Tried) Act, Mental Health Tribunal hearings, guardianship and administration orders
• applications for protection visas and judicial review of administrative decisions to cancel visas
• discrimination, sexual harassment, victims of crimes issues.

You will provide expert legal advice on complex and strategic issues across VLA's Civil Justice program, and work with Civil Justice lawyers to identify and develop opportunities for strategic litigation. You will also assist in the training and mentoring of lawyers to develop their advocacy skills and knowledge of civil law.

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

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Demonstrated experience, skills and ability in advocacy and civil law litigation. 
• Thorough knowledge and experience in the practice of civil law under State or Federal legislation. 
• Ability to provide high quality advice (oral and written) on civil law legal and policy issues within limited time constraints. 
• High level interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with staff, external stakeholders and clients with complex needs.
• Ability and aptitude for mentoring, training and assisting in the development of legal staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a cooperative and supportive environment within Chambers and the Civil Justice program.

Please note that when we use the term ‘civil law' we mean administrative law, human rights law or public law generally, as well as the specific subject matter areas Civil Justice works in at VLA, which are described above under ‘About the role'. 

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, please click "Apply Now" and submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing only key selection criteria 1, 2, 4 and 8. You do not need to address any other key selection criteria in your letter. 

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 Public Defender - Civil Justice enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact: 

• Madeline Ryan, Associate Director, Chambers on (03) 9269 0482 or [email protected] if you are contacting us between 29 June and 10 July 2026; or
• Hollie Kerwin, Public Defender – Civil on (03) 9269 0141 or [email protected] after 10 July 2026.

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. 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.