Criminal Lawyer / Senior Criminal Lawyer, Gippsland

• Ongoing and maximum term positions available (full time and part time)
• Salary based on experience, range: VLA3 $84,626 - $97,921 / VLA4 $97,922 - $122,400 (pro rata) plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role:
Are you looking to increase your criminal law and advocacy skills in a supported environment? Gippsland VLA provides the unique opportunity for lawyers to be supported and trained to gain hands on experience in a variety of summary and indictable criminal cases throughout Gippsland's Magistrates' and County Courts. We have it all, a bustling indictable criminal practice as well as a strong therapeutic courts (ARC) and Koori Court practice.
With this in mind, we are seeking multiple Lawyers and Senior Lawyers to join our team in providing high quality legal services to clients across the Gippsland region.
In this role, you will engage in criminal case work and will act as an advocate by providing high quality legal services, representation, casework, and legal advice with the aim of improving legal aid services across the Gippsland region. Working closely with other Criminal Lawyers, Senior Criminal Lawyers, and Deputy Managing Lawyers, you will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen your advocacy skills in a wide range of criminal law matters in a supportive and encouraging work environment.
In addition, the Senior Lawyer role requires the supervision and mentoring of staff within criminal law and family intervention through providing best practice advice and identifying developmental opportunities.
Why Gippsland?
Our Gippsland region offers a genuine chance for practitioners to immerse themselves in a multifaceted and complex legal landscape, acquiring invaluable expertise and learning opportunities while working across our caseload. This is a rewarding role where will you assist the most in need and vulnerable community groups.
In addition, Gippsland is the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts with national parks, hiking points and wildlife right at your doorstep.
About you:
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Criminal law knowledge with an ability to deliver legal advice, casework, and dispute resolution on behalf of clients.
• Knowledge and experience in law and procedure in criminal law practice.
• Effective communication when engaging with diverse groups ranging from disadvantaged members of the community to internal staff.
• Strong interest and capability in providing mentorship and guidance to junior team members in enhancing their skills and knowledge (Senior Lawyer)
• A current Australian practicing certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.
About Victoria Legal Aid:
We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1000 staff employed in 15 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:

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent

options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing * Opportunity to join
(and salary package the cost) * Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)
How to apply:
To be considered for this role, please submit a current resume and completed candidate application form (listed within the file attachments).
If you require adjustment 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 .
For further information review the attached position description or contact Veronica Sayers, Regional Manager on (03) 5126 6473.
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.59pm on Thursday 7 March 2024.
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.