• Salary Offering $135,000 - $145,000
• Full Time Fixed Term until 30th of June 2025 (likely extension)
• Office Location 273 High Street, Preston, 3072

Additional Benefits:

• 17.5% Leave Loading
• Only required to work 35 hours per week,
• Access to company vehicles for any work-related trips
• Salary packaging of up to $15,900+ per FBT available via Maxxia

Overview

The PML has responsibility for the strategic development and operational management of the Wirraway specialist litigation unit consistent with VALS strategic objectives. This includes day-to-day responsibility for supervising and coordinating the work and staff resources of the specialist litigation unit. This includes lawyers with specific specialisms and paralegal staff. As a small team, legal practitioners work flexibly across the portfolio of files to ensure consistency and resilience within the unit.

The PML is a file holder, although they have fewer files in recognition of their strategic and operational management responsibilities. This includes managing the day-to-day operations of the unit and developing the skills and expertise of staff through ongoing 1:1 and team mentoring, supervision and casework planning and strategy development.

This role works closely with the Policy and Communications team to build awareness, support VALS advocacy and case-work and to contribute to proposals that support funding the unit. The role also works collaboratively with diverse VALS staff and external stakeholders to ensure effective and culturally safe support for clients and prospective clients and to further VALS strategic aims.

Key Selection

• Relevant qualification in Law and admission to the Supreme Court of Victoria, with a current unrestricted practicing certificate and not less than 5 years PAE.
• High level advocacy and legal skills with demonstrated experience of appearing on behalf of relevant parties in the Coroners, Magistrates and Higher Court jurisdictions in all stages of the legal proceedings in criminal law and civil litigation relating to misconduct by members of Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria and other relevant Government entities.
• In depth knowledge of legislation pertaining to criminal law and civil litigation with a focus on police torts.
• Demonstrated high level conceptual, analytical and negotiation skills to achieve desired results.
• Strong management skills and experience of managing, mentoring and developing legal practitioners.
• Highly developed interpersonal, presentation, verbal and written communication and partnership development skills. This includes with diverse stakeholders, including VALS colleagues, members of the judiciary, partner organisations and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members experiencing significant anxiety and stress as part of traumatic client work and proceedings.
• Capability to provide independent, strategic specialist legal advice and guidance to VALS lawyers and community justice teams on complex legal matters and or policy issues impacting the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Knowledge and understanding of the social, legal and justice issues including abuse and systemic racism faced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria

A position description is attached.