Senior Lawyer

* Full time, maximum term position up to June 2026
* Salary based on experience, range: $97,922 - $122,400 plus super
* Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model
About the role:In this newly established position, you will be responsible for delivering legal counsel and representation to individuals who have been affected by crime and sexual assault, with a particular focus on matters relating to protecting confidential communications during court proceedings. Your duties will include partnering with relevant parties to develop culturally sensitive and trauma-informed services for victims, while also overseeing and guiding staff members. You will contribute to legal education initiatives, advocate for changes to existing laws and policies, and ensure compliance with legal regulations.
Additionally, you will be tasked with managing administrative and case-related responsibilities. It will be important for you to stay informed about current legal developments and procedures and collaborate within Victoria Legal Aid's Equality Law Program to provide support to the sector in meeting the needs of victims.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country
About Equality Law:The Equality Law Program helps people who have experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation, or racial or religious vilification in areas such as education, employment, receiving goods or services, accommodation, clubs and sporting activities.We also provide legal advice and representation to victims of crime as part of the Victims Legal Service, which is delivered together with Women's Legal Service Victoria, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), Djirra and other community legal centres.
About you:As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
* Demonstrated capacity to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex civil law matters, with knowledge of or practice experience in criminal law and relevant court, commission and tribunal procedures that are the focus of the ELP practice.
* Ability to supervise, mentor and train staff and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills in the laws and relevant court procedures that are the focus of the ELP practice.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, including the capacity to foster a cooperative and supportive team environment and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and clients experiencing disadvantage.
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 salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
* Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club (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 our team
For further information review the attached position description or contact Peter Reading - Managing Lawyer on (03) 9606 5311.
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.59pm on Wednesday 28 February 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.