- Full-time maximum term position until December 2027
- Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super
- Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, adaptable hybrid work arrangement

About the role
The role will be based in the Economic and Social Rights (ESR) sub program of Civil Justice which aims to advance the quality of, and access to, rights which most affect the standard of living of disadvantaged Victorians. The role involves the provision of support to regional civil justice lawyers and coordination between the regional civil work and the civil justice directorate, with a focus on civil legal issues including guardianship and administration orders, infringements, mental health tribunal, NDIS, social security and Worker Screening Act matters as well as supervision order matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 and matters under the Disability Act 2006 where relevant.

In collaboration with regional offices, the Mental Health and Disability Law (MHDL) and ESR management, this position will provide legal support and mentoring of regional and suburban civil justice lawyers, as well as undertaking and supporting stakeholder engagement and projects related to education and training resources for regional civil justice staff.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country or can be considered in another VLA regional office.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

- A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner of a law practice.
- Entitlement to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners).
- Demonstrated capacity to work as a lawyer in complex matters including substantial knowledge or practical experience in the law and relevant court procedures with a focus on one or more of guardianship and administration orders, infringements, mental health tribunal, NDIS, social security, Worker Screening Act matters, supervision order matters under the Crime Mental Impairment Act and matters under the Disability Act.
- Demonstrated ability to provide support,



mentoring and training of staff and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills in civil law.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively to a diverse range of people and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience working with First Nations Australians and understanding of cultural norms and communication styles (highly desirable).

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLA
We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1500+ staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

- A focus on work-life balance, including adaptable working arrangements
- Hybrid work from home & office model
- Generous leave advantages, including:
- Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
- Paid gender affirmation leave
- Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year

- Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
- Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900,



Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
- Discounted annual Myki public transport passes
- Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the following key selection criteria:

- Ability to provide support, mentoring and training of staff and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills in civil law.
- Demonstrated capacity to work as a lawyer in complex matters including substantial knowledge or practical experience in the law and relevant court procedures with a focus on one or more of security, Worker Screening Act matters, supervision order matters under the Crime Mental Impairment Act and matters under the Disability Act.
- Demonstrated experience in building and sustaining partnerships and collaborative relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Sam Sowerwine, Associate Director, Economic and Social Rights on (03) 9269 0*** or ***********@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 22 November 2026.

Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

📌 Senior Lawyer, Regional Practice Support (Melbourne)
🏢 Victoria Legal Aid
📍 Melbourne