The Criminal Law Administrator provides administrative and case support to our criminal law team, with a robust focus on Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) grant lodgement and billing, use of the CMS portal, and coordination with the many agencies our clients' matters touch - courts, police, corrections, Victoria Legal Aid and counsel. This role suits someone with working knowledge of the Victorian criminal justice system who is confident managing legal aid funding and liaising with stakeholders under time pressure.

Key responsibilities

Prepare and lodge Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) grants of assistance, extensions and variations, and manage billing and invoicing through the VLA system

Track grant approvals, funding limits and billing deadlines to avoid lapses or missed claims

Use the CMS (Case Management System) portal to manage court listings, file updates and matter progress

Liaise with courts, police, corrections, Victoria Legal Aid, barristers and other criminal justice system stakeholders on behalf of the practice

Open, maintain and close client files in line with firm and regulatory requirements

Manage court diaries, filing deadlines and correspondence for the criminal law team

Prepare briefs, correspondence and court documents as directed by solicitors

Provide general administrative support to the criminal law practice,



including phones, file management and client liaison

Diary management

Briefing Counsel

About you

Sound knowledge of criminal law and the Victorian criminal justice system

Demonstrated experience lodging and billing matters through the Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) system

Familiarity with the CMS portal (or comparable court/case management systems)

Experience liaising with courts, police, corrections and other criminal justice stakeholders

Prior experience in a legal administration or paralegal role, ideally within criminal law

Strong written and verbal communication skills

High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly with funding and billing records

Training in Smokeball legal practice management software is highly regarded

Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple files

Calm and effective under pressure, including tight court and funding deadlines

About us

SPA Lawyers is a criminal law practice representing clients across the Victorian criminal justice system since 2018 our firm is Law Institute Accredited Firm, from summary matters in the Magistrates' Court through to indictable proceedings in higher courts.

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📌 Part time - Casual Adminstration (Melbourne)
🏢 Sarah Pratt and Associates
📍 Melbourne