Full time | 12-month fixed-term contract (strong potential for renewal) Location: Wyndham (Werribee) Salary: $120,000 + superannuation + salary packaging benefitsMake a real difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Bring your legal expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to justice to a role with purpose.About the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Since ****, VALS has delivered culturally safe legal services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, alongside specialist programs such as the 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing, family violence programs, and community legal education.We proudly support diversity and welcome applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and diverse cultural backgrounds.About Balit Ngulu - "Strong Voice"Balit Ngulu is a specialised youth legal program supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people (up to 21 years) who come into contact with the criminal legal system.
The program provides holistic, culturally safe legal representation and case management, grounded in self‐determination, early intervention, and community empowerment.Operating across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton, Balit Ngulu plays a vital role in reducing over‐representation of Aboriginal youth in the legal system.The OpportunityWe are seeking a passionate and experienced Regional Practice Lawyer (RPL) to lead our Wyndham legal practice.Based in Werribee, you will provide senior legal advocacy, oversee complex youth crime matters, and lead a multidisciplinary team of Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Workers, lawyers, and paralegals.
You will strengthen regional partnerships, ensure culturally safe and high-quality service delivery,



and contribute to systemic change that improves outcomes for Aboriginal young people.This role is ideal for an experienced lawyer who wants to combine senior practice, leadership, and community impact in a meaningful way.Key Responsibilities:Court Advocacy & RepresentationAppear as a senior advocate in the Children's Court (Criminal Division), Koori Court, Magistrates' Court, and higher courts as requiredDeliver culturally safe, trauma-informed representation in youth and young adult mattersCasework & Legal Service DeliveryManage complex youth crime casework (summary and indictable matters)Prepare and manage Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) grants of assistanceContribute to weekly case planning and continuous service improvementCommunity Engagement & PartnershipsBuild strong relationships with Aboriginal organisations, schools, courts, service providers, and youth-focused stakeholdersDeliver community legal education and professional training across the Wyndham regionLeadership & SupervisionSupervise, mentor, and support ACE Workers, lawyers, and paralegalsLead team meetings and foster a supportive, culturally safe, and high-performing team cultureContribute to recruitment, onboarding, and daily practice operationsPolicy, Reform & AdvocacyIdentify systemic issues impacting Aboriginal young peopleContribute to law reform, research, and youth justice advocacy initiativesAbout YouYou are a values-driven legal professional who is committed to cultural safety, youth justice, and community empowerment.You will bring:Admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria with 4+ years' experience in criminal lawEligibility for Victoria Legal Aid Panels (summary, indictable, and youth matters)Experience in complex youth crime advocacyDemonstrated leadership and supervision capabilityStrong communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communitiesA strong alignment with VALS' values and purposeCompetency with MS OffiMandatory RequirementsVictorian Employee Working with Children CheckNational Criminal History CheckVictorian Driver's LicenceProof of Australian working rights
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📌 Regional Practice Lawyer (Wyndham) (Victoria)
🏢 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Victoria