Melasecca Zayler is seeking a Criminal Lawyer with 1+ years PAE with experience and a genuine passion for criminal law to join our expanding practice.

About us

Melasecca Zayler is one of Melbourne's most respected boutique criminal law firms, currently comprised of 6 lawyers, 3 of whom are Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Criminal Law Specialists. The firm continues to be involved in the defence of some of the most high profile criminal accused in Victoria, and Australia. Every lawyer in our firm is a solicitor-advocate, who appears on a near daily basis in all Victorian Court's.

The firm has, of recent times, reinitiated its VLA funded practice which has exponentially grown to clients with diverse matters in all Victorian jurisdictions.

About the Role

We are looking for a Criminal Lawyer with 1+ year post-admission experience who is passionate about criminal law, client service and delivering high-quality legal work.

Based in our Melbourne CBD office, you will work closely with our partners and senior lawyers across a broad range of criminal matters, initially focusing on Victoria Legal Aid funded clients in the summary stream. The role will involve managing and progressing your own files, analysing evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, appearing as an advocate on a daily basis, preparing matters for hearing and trial and briefing and working closely with counsel in contested proceedings.

Day to day you will:

- Manage a broad range of criminal matters with appropriate supervision and support.
- Appear in Magistrates Court's all over Victoria in a range of matters including plea hearings,



bail applications, mention hearings and contest mention hearings.
- Take responsibility for progressing files from initial instructions through to resolution.
- Review and analyse briefs of evidence and identify key factual, evidentiary and legal issues.
- Draft high-quality legal correspondence, written advice, submissions and court material.
- Conference with clients, witnesses, experts and counsel.
- Provide clear, practical and strategic advice to clients throughout their matter.
- Manage client relationships with empathy, clarity and professionalism.

About you

Skills, judgment and a genuine passion for criminal law are what we are looking for.

You will bring a strong work ethic, a proactive approach and the ability to contribute to a supportive, close-knit team environment.

The ideal candidate will bring:

- 1+ year PAE, with experience in criminal law.
- A genuine interest in building a long-term career in criminal defence.
- Experience managing your own files or significant aspects of criminal matters with appropriate supervision.
- Strong legal analysis, research and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written communication and drafting skills.




- The ability to carefully analyse evidence and identify the key issues in complex matters.
- Strong client management and communication skills.
- A proactive and organised approach to file management and matter preparation.
- Sound judgment, attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Team spirit, integrity and a willingness to learn from and support colleagues.

What we Offer

- A salary package that grows with your experience, plus CPD training, membership fees and practice certificate costs.
- The chance to work on serious and complex matters with meaningful responsibility, client exposure and regular appearance work.
- Direct experiences briefing and working with highly regarded barristers.
- Opportunities to work with leading criminal defence practitioners across a tight knit office.
- Structured mentoring and genuine support for your long term career progression.
- Exposure to a diverse range of criminal matters and complex proceedings.
- A dynamic, close knit and energised workplace where you contribution is recognised and valued.
- A genuine commitment to professional development and helping our lawyers build successful and rewarding careers in criminal law.

Prerequisites

All applicants are required to be admitted to practice law in Victoria, have full time work rights in Australia and have a valid drivers license.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 9 October 2026, however we reserve the right to close applications earlier if the right candidate is found.

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📌 Criminal Defence Lawyer (Melbourne)
🏢 Melasecca Zayler
📍 Melbourne