Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Preston VIC
Location:Preston, VIC
Employment Type:Full-time | 12-month fixed term (strong potential for renewal)
Salary:$120,000 + super + Salary Packaging
Flexibility:2 days WFH
Make an Impact Where It Matters
VALS is Victoria's only specialist legal service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We deliver culturally safe legal representation and holistic support across the justice system and advocate for systemic reform.
We are seeking an experiencedManaging Lawyer (Criminal Law)to support the Principal Managing Lawyer in leading a high‐performing criminal law practice.
About VALS
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the only specialist legal service in Victoria dedicated exclusively to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For over 50 years, VALS has delivered culturally safe legal advice, representation, and wrap‐around support across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation.
We are committed to creating a culturally protected, inclusive and supportive workplace, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
About the Role
This is a senior leadership and hands‐on legal role.
You will oversee day‐to‐day operations, supervise and mentor criminal lawyers and paralegals, manage complex casework, and appear in Magistrates', Children's, County and Koori Courts.
You'll also contribute to staff development, stakeholder engagement, and law reform initiatives.
Key Responsibilities




Lead the day‐to‐day operations of the Criminal Law practice, including court rosters, file allocation and after‐hours services
Supervise, mentor and support criminal law solicitors, paralegals and volunteers
Conduct regular case planning, supervision, and career development reviews
Appear as advocate across Magistrates', Children's, County and Koori Courts
Manage and undertake complex criminal law matter casework, including serious indictable matters
Ensure the delivery of culturally safe, high‐quality legal representation
Contribute to staff training, community legal education, and in‐house professional development
Represent VALS in stakeholder forums, networks, and law reform or policy advocacy
Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high‐performing team culture
What You'll Bring
Unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate and substantial post‐admission experience
Advanced criminal advocacy experience
Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and develop legal practitioners
Strong understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the justice system
Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
Mandatory Requirements
Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Criminal Law Specialist
Employee Working with Children Check
National Criminal History Check
Valid Victorian Driver's Licence
Proof of Australian work rights
Why Join VALS?
Meaningful work that contributes to community justice and systemic change
Supportive, values‐driven and culturally rich workplace
Opportunity to lead and mentor the next generation of criminal lawyers
Work within a holistic, client‐centred legal service model
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📌 Managing Lawyer (Criminal Law) (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Melbourne