Full-time |
12-month fixed-term contract (strong potential for renewal)
Location:
Wyndham (Werribee)
Salary:
$120,000 + superannuation + salary packaging benefits
Make 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 Opportunity




We 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 & Representation
Appear as a senior advocate in the Children's Court (Criminal Division), Koori Court, Magistrates' Court, and higher courts as required
Deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed representation in youth and young adult matters
Casework & Legal Service Delivery
Manage complex youth crime casework (summary and indictable matters)
Prepare and manage Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) grants of assistance
Contribute to weekly case planning and continuous service improvement




Community Engagement & Partnerships
Build strong relationships with Aboriginal organisations, schools, courts, service providers, and youth-focused stakeholders
Deliver community legal education and qualified training across the Wyndham region
Leadership & Supervision
Supervise, mentor, and support ACE Workers, lawyers, and paralegals
Lead team meetings and foster a supportive, culturally safe, and high-performing team culture
Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and daily practice operations
Policy, Reform & Advocacy
Identify systemic issues impacting Aboriginal young people
Contribute to law reform, research, and youth justice advocacy initiatives
About You
You are a values-driven legal skilled 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 law
Eligibility for Victoria Legal Aid Panels (summary, indictable, and youth matters)
Experience in complex youth crime advocacy
Demonstrated leadership and supervision capability
Strong communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
A strong alignment with VALS' values and purpose
Competency with MS Offi
Mandatory Requirements
Victorian Employee Working with Children Check
National Criminal History Check
Victorian Driver's Licence
Proof of Australian working rights
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📌 Regional Practice Lawyer (Wyndham) (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Melbourne