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About VALSThe Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our holistic services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and much more. At VALS, we are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity, and inclusion and we are always evolving to meet community needs.OverviewRole: Senior Lawyer Criminal Law SpecialistResponsibilitiesAppear as a senior advocate in various courts including the Children''s Court, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts to represent VALS clients in criminal matters.Appear in the Bail and Remand Court on weeknights and weekends (including nights) on a rostered basis.Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters, including serious indictable matters, for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.Travel across Victoria to deliver services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; some travel may occur outside usual business hours. A VALS vehicle is available for travel and a driver''s licence is required.Participate in the after-hours on-call roster ("Night phone") and provide emergency advice to community members in Victoria.Appear for clients at remand court, including duty lawyer shifts on a rotating seven-day roster (evenings, weekends and public holidays).Supervise and mentor staff in criminal law and contribute to professional legal education and training.Act in the Managing Lawyer or Principal Managing Lawyer position in higher duties capacity if required.Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.Contribute to the collaboration between Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations with whom VALS interacts.Keep up to date with legal developments and participate in professional education programs relevant to justice issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.Undertake other duties incidental to the main tasks as reasonably within the employee''s skills and training.Key Selection CriteriaAt least 3+ years'' experience as a legal practitioner, with demonstrated capability to advocate and work as a caseworker in complex matters.Ability to supervise, mentor and train less experienced lawyers and contribute to their development.Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including young people.Excellent organisation, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work collaboratively in a team.Basic competency in MS Office and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in VALS'' client database.Mandatory RequirementsAdmitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria with an unsupervised practising certificate.Current Employee Working with Children CheckNational Criminal History Police CheckProof of Australian work rights (e.g., passport, birth certificate, or visa)Current valid Victorian Driver''s LicenceWhy Join VALS?Supportive, flexible, and culturally safe working environment with attractive benefits.17.5% Leave Loading5 additional days of annual leave on top of standard 20 daysTime in Lieu (TOIL) for hours beyond contracted 35 hours per weekAccess to company vehicles for work-related travelGenerous salary packaging up to $15,900 via MaxxiaOpportunity to work with a passionate team delivering culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communitiesOngoing professional development and training opportunitiesHow to ApplyTo apply, please provide:A covering letter introducing yourself and explaining your suitability for the roleA statement addressing each of the Key Selection CriteriaYour current resume, including education, professional experience, and two refereesSubmit your application to [email protected] using the subject line: Application for Senior Lawyer Criminal Law Specialist Position at VALSVALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.Please note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement. #J-18808-Ljbffr