The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do advantages thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Job Details

Department: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Work Type: Fixed term - full time Job Function: Legal Classification: VPSG2.1 Work Location: Ballarat - Central Highlands Reference: VG/DFFH/CDS/709432 Closing Date: 25-Aug-2026 Salary Range: $62,104 - $70,930 Job Duration: 12 months Attachments: (Word, 131KB)
Offer Letter

Contact: Melissa Shoghi
(phone hidden) [email protected]

Position Details

THE ROLE

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Legal Services Branch is offering Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and Juris Doctor (JD) graduates the opportunity to undertake Supervised Legal Training,



a minimum 12 months training under an eligible supervisor in regional areas. The practical legal experience provides a pathway to becoming a fully qualified lawyer and legal career in the Victoria Public Service.

Commencing in late February 2026, Supervised Legal Trainees (graduates) appointed in a regional location will work primarily on matters relating to child protection law with a legal team of the Statewide Child Protection Litgation Office. Graduates will have the support of a Managing Principal Solicitor and spend approximately three quarters of their traineeship working on matters relating to child protection law and the remaining part of their traineeship have opportunities to work across legal teams. The Legal Services Branch will support graduates to attend central office as required and ensure that graduates are exposed to broad areas of legal work across the department to develop a range of key legal skills.

The graduate program will give valuable insight into the role of a leading Victorian Public Service department and build capabilities required to undertake supervised legal training in a workplace to satisfy the requirements of the Victorian Legal Admissions Board.

Legal Services Branch is looking for regionally located graduates (or graduates willing to relocate to work from a regional departmental office) that have an interest in a career in government, are motivated, demonstrate initiative,



enthusiasm and have excellent communication skills with strong academic results in a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

- Provides routine legal advice and correspondence under the supervision of more senior solicitors.
- Collaborate with departmental colleagues to deliver client focused legal services.
- Instruct in litigation including directions hearings and routine case conferences involving the department in a wide range of courts and tribunals.

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.

Job details Department: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Job Reference: VG/DFFH/CDS/709432
Location: Ballarat - Central Highlands
Work Type: Fixed term - full time
Job Function: Legal
Classification: VPSG2.1
Salary Range: $62,104 - $70,930
Job Duration: 12 months
Date posted: 11-Aug-2026
Application Close Date: 25-Aug-2026
Attachments: (Word, 131KB)
Offer Letter

Contact:

Melissa Shoghi

(phone hidden) [email protected]

📌 Legal Graduate (Highlands)
🏢 State Government Of Victoria
📍 Highlands