- Part Time (0.6 FTE) | 12-months Fixed Term (strong potential for renewal)

- Preston, VIC

- $73,691.80 pro rata Super Salary Packaging

Make a meaningful difference every day.

As the first point of contact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking legal assistance, you'll play a vital role in helping people access justice when they need it most. Your empathy, organisation and legal knowledge will help ensure clients are connected with the right support, whether through VALS or another service.

If you're studying law or recently qualified and want to build a rewarding career while making a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Since 1973, we've provided culturally safe legal representation, advocacy and support across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation.

Beyond legal services, we deliver a range of holistic programs including:

- 24/7 Custody Notification Service

- Family violence support

- Transitional housing for women exiting custody

- Community legal education

- Client advocacy and support services

Our work is driven by self-determination, cultural safety, respect and justice.

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring legal professional to gain hands-on experience within a respected community legal service.

As our Criminal Law Paralegal, you'll be the first point of contact for clients seeking legal assistance. You'll conduct client intake, manage referrals,



maintain accurate records and support the Criminal Law team in ensuring every person receives timely, culturally secure assistance.

You'll also work closely with volunteers, community organisations and legal stakeholders to help deliver high quality services across Victoria.

No two days are the same, making this an ideal role for someone who enjoys working with people, solving problems and staying organised in a fast-paced environment.

What you'll be doing

- Conduct client intake primarily by telephone and occasionally in person.

- Gather accurate client information and maintain detailed file notes.

- Manage client records and workflow within our case management system.

- Coordinate appropriate referrals both within VALS and to external organisations.

- Support the supervision and day-to-day coordination of volunteers.

- Liaise with courts, community organisations and legal stakeholders.

- Participate in team meetings, community legal education and organisational projects.

- Contribute to providing culturally safe and accessible legal services.

About you

You'll thrive in this role if you are someone who genuinely enjoys helping people, communicates with empathy and can remain organised while managing competing priorities.

You'll also bring:

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

- An understanding of, or genuine commitment to, improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.





- Excellent attention to detail and administrative capability.

- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment.

- Confidence using Microsoft Office and learning new systems quickly.

- The ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.

- A collaborative and proactive approach to work.

Essential requirements To be successful, you'll have:

- Current enrolment in, or completion of, a Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent qualification leading to legal practice in Victoria).

- Eligibility for admission, practical legal training, or ongoing legal studies.

- Current Employee Working with Children Check.

- Current Victorian Driver Licence.

- National Criminal History Check (or willingness to obtain).

- Full Australian working rights.

Why join VALS?

Working at VALS is more than a job. It's an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change while developing your legal career within a highly respected Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.

We offer:

- Meaningful, purpose-driven work that creates real community impact.

- Salary packaging to increase your take-home pay.

- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

- Supportive, collaborative and values-driven teams.

- Employee wellbeing initiatives.

- A culturally safe and inclusive workplace.

- Flexible working arrangements where operationally appropriate.

Ready to apply?

If you're looking for a role where your legal skills can make a genuine difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may commence before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.

📌 Paralegal (Criminal Law) (Preston)
🏢 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Preston