Department of Premier and Cabinet – Melbourne VIC

Full time maximum term position up to October 2027

Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super

Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role

You will provide high quality legal services including legal advice, duty lawyer services, casework, representation and undertake negotiation and dispute resolution on behalf of clients, primarily in child protection and intervention order matters in the Children's Court of Victoria and related matters in other jurisdictions, including appearing in Marram-Ngala Ganbu.

You will also provide supervision, training, and mentoring to junior child protection legal staff and engage with and participate in policy initiatives, VLA projects, law reform work and community legal education.

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

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

- Extensive knowledge and practical experience in relevant law and procedure with a focus on the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and child protection and evidence law and procedure
- Knowledge of the issues experienced by families involved with the child protection system, particularly challenges faced by First Nations peoples and people from diverse backgrounds
- Proven ability to supervise legal staff and mentor and train junior lawyers
- High level interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience appearing and conducting case work associated with matters in Marram-Ngala Ganbu (highly desirable)
- Further accreditations in Children's Law (desirable)

At VLA, we understand that work and life experiences can be valuable. If your CV does not align perfectly with the job description, you may still be suitable for the role.

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 people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that is inclusive and diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

- - A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
- - Hybrid work from home and office model
- - Generous leave advantages, including three days paid seasonal leave to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays, paid gender affirmation leave, and five days 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 and Entertainment up to $2,650 and 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 an Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and a range of mental health and wellbeing resources

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 2 August 2026.

Other relevant information

Staff are required to attend office-based days at their primary work location. 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.

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📌 Senior Child Protection Lawyer (Melbourne)
🏢 Department Of Premier And Cabinet
📍 Melbourne