Seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to run the Confidential Communications and other victims of crime related services in the Victims Legal Service.

• Full time maximum term position up to 12 months
• Salary range: $98,902 - $123,624 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role
This position operates within the Victims Legal Service (VLS), who provide culturally safe and trauma-informed information, advice, casework and referrals to victims of crime and sexual assault in matters relating to their rights in protecting confidential communications during court proceedings, compensation, restitution and financial assistance.

As a Senior Lawyer, you will passionately dedicate yourself to delivering exceptional legal services that truly make a difference in the lives of others. Your commitment will shine through in the provision of advice and legal representation, with a focus on providing various client centred and trauma informed legal services to victims of crime.

You will act as an advocate by providing expert and timely legal advice and representation in the following areas: applications to access confidential communications made under s32C of the Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958, Restitution and Compensation Orders (RACO) and applications for financial assistance for victims of crime under the new Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) which recently commenced.

The position sits within Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA) Equality Law Program and will work with our VLS partners and across VLA to ensure key service requirements are met, appropriate referrals are made and assist the sector to better meet victims' needs.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Experience in advocating and working as a caseworker in complex criminal or civil law matters, including knowledge of and practical experience in criminal law, discrimination law, particularly sexual harassment law, as well as familiarity with relevant commissions, tribunals, and court procedures.
• Ability to oversee, mentor, and train staff while supporting the advancement of their understanding and skills in criminal law, discrimination law and civil law in a broader context.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to promote a collaborative and supportive team atmosphere.
• Experience in advocating for and supporting law and policy reform changes.
• Demonstrating understanding and experience working with First Nations Australians and Torres Strait Islanders peoples.
• A current Australian practising 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 1300 staff employed in 16 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)
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

If you require adjustments 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, please review the attached position description or contact Peter Reading, Managing Lawyer – Equality Law on (03) 9606 5311 or Renee Rao, Recruitment Specialist on recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 8 December 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.