Criminal Law

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney / Adoption Law Attorney / Divorce Law Attorney / Family Law - General Attorney in Frankston, Victoria Responsibilities Advocate in various courts and tribunals, including the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and Children’s Court, to effectively advocate for legal aid clients. Provide high-quality legal services, including duty lawyer support, casework, and legal advice, with a primary focus on criminal law and family violence. Conduct casework and provide legal information and advice to clients, including those in custody or members of the public, through appointments, phone, teleconference, and outreach visiting services. Participate in community legal education projects, law reform, and other organisational projects as required. Keep abreast of relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programmes and maintaining understanding of issues impacting the justice system. Contribute to the implementation and review of the office business plan and assist in developing strategies to improve client service. Work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve positive client outcomes; engage effectively with clients, staff, and external stakeholders and organisations. Qualifications A current Australian practising certificate that entitles the candidate to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner is mandatory. Demonstrated experience working with Australian First Nations people, with an understanding of cultural norms and communication styles. Proven experience representing clients in court, providing legal advice, and managing casework in criminal law, family violence, and related matters. Knowledge of criminal law and family violence law is essential. High level of interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with clients, staff, and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to act as an advocate, deliver legal advice and casework, and undertake negotiation and dispute resolution on behalf of clients. Salary and Benefits Salary range: $90,871 – $101,868 (pro rata) plus super and salary packaging. Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, meals and entertainment up to $2,650, and novated leasing. Access to discounted private health insurance. Relocation support if relocating for these roles. Other Relevant Information The role requires the ability to independently travel to various office locations, meeting venues, outreach services, courts, and tribunals, including the South‑East region, to deliver quality services to clients. Staff must hold a valid Victorian Working With Children Check at all times. The organisation offers a hybrid work model, although arrangements may be reduced or unavailable for this role due to the nature and responsibilities of the role. All appointments are subject to reference checks and pre‑employment misconduct screening. The organisation is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including First Nations people and refugees, to apply. The organisation is a Child‑Safe organisation that is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children, respecting their rights and valuing their views. Organisational Context The organisation is a statutory authority that provides legal aid services to the Victorian community through an in‑house practice, contracted private lawyers, and by funding community legal centres. It focuses on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems, prioritising more intensive services, such as legal advice, legal representation, non‑legal advocacy, and family dispute resolution, for those who need it most. The organisation also conducts research into and makes submissions regarding legal aid and law reform issues, recognising the intersections between legal and social issues and advocating for change. The organisation’s Strategy 26 outlines its strategic directions across the first four years of its Outcomes framework 2022‑30, aiming to improve the experience of people with legal and non‑legal needs in all its work. Vision and Values Vision: A fair, just, and inclusive society where people can get help with their legal problems and have a stronger voice in how laws and legal processes affect them. Purpose: To make a difference for clients and the community by helping to effectively address legal problems, supporting the coordination of a strong and dynamic legal assistance sector, and working with partners to create fairer laws and systems. Values: Fairness: Committed to fairness in society and facilitating fair and equitable access to legal support. Care: Approach work with an awareness of the effects of trauma and discrimination, treating each other with kindness and respect. Courage: Approach work with strength and confidence, guided by values and what matters most to clients and society. Inclusion: Provide an inclusive environment for clients, staff, and referral partners. #J-18808-Ljbffr