• 2 x full-time maximum term positions up to 18 months (part time considered)
• Salary based on experience, range: $98,902 - $123,624 (pro rata) plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role

We are currently recruiting for 2 full-time maximum term positions up to 18 months:

• 1 x role based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.
• 1 x role based at either our Melbourne, Broadmeadows or Dandenong offices, according to the candidate's preference

As Best Interests Senior Lawyer, you will provide legal representation primarily for children appointed best interests representation in child protection proceedings. You will also play an important role in providing specialist support and mentoring to in-house child protection lawyers and contributing to VLA's professional development in this area.

This role presents an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact while furthering your specific expertise in child protection law.

Both roles may be expected to appear in matters listed across the Melbourne metro region.

You may also provide child protection duty lawyer services and represent other children and their parents from time to time.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in relevant law and procedures, particularly focusing on the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, and expertise in child protection and evidence law.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact sensitively and empathetically, particularly with children and young people, as well as their parents, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strong advocacy skills and proficiency in offering strategic advice on legal policy matters, with a keen understanding of external organisations, community, and welfare groups, and their significance in legal aid services.
• Proven leadership abilities, with experience in supervising and mentoring junior legal staff.
• A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).
• 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 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 click "Apply Now" and 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 via [email protected] 

For further information review the attached position description or contact Jenny Anderson, Managing Lawyer - Child Protection on (03) 9269 0407 or by email [email protected] using the subject line: Best Interests Senior Lawyers x2 enquiry via EthicalJobs.

No agency applications will be accepted.

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.

A position description and application form are attached.