Senior Public Defender — High-Impact Trials

VLA Chambers Public Defender Roles (Criminal Law) Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is looking for experienced advocates to join our team of specialist in-house barristers and solicitor advocates led by Chief Counsel Julia Munster. Overview Chambers advocates are briefed by lawyers from VLA, VALS, Djirra, CLCs and private firms to provide high‑quality representation and advice to legally‑aided clients. They also undertake strategic litigation, policy and law reform work and train, support, and mentor lawyers across Victoria to develop advocacy and practice skills. Positions Associate Public Defender (Criminal Law) Full‑time or part‑time ongoing or contract positions available Salary range: $113,668 – $131,153 (pro rata) plus super and salary packaging Associate Public Defender (Youth Crime) Full‑time or part‑time ongoing or contract position available Salary range: $113,668 – $131,153 (pro rata) plus super and salary packaging Public Defender (Criminal Law) Full‑time or part‑time ongoing or contract term positions available Salary range: $143,076 – $166,922 (pro rata) plus super and salary packaging Senior Public Defender (Criminal Law) Full‑time or part‑time contract position up to February 2027 Salary range: $175,286 – $192,014 (pro rata) plus super and salary packaging Role Responsibilities Associate Public Defenders provide high‑quality advocacy for legally‑aided clients in criminal matters including summary contested hearings, committal mentions and hearings, bail applications, pleas and appeals in the Magistrates, County and Children's Courts. The Associate Public Defender (Youth Crime) prioritises services to children and young people in those courts. Public Defenders (Criminal Law) provide high‑quality advocacy for complex criminal matters including trials, committal proceedings, pleas, bail applications and appeals in the County and Supreme Courts, as well as quasi‑criminal law matters, inquests, civil law, human rights litigation and strategic public interest litigation. Senior Public Defenders (Criminal Law) handle high‑level, complex and legally important criminal matters, including trials in the County and Supreme Courts, complex committal proceedings, bail applications, pleas and appeals including the Court of Appeal and judicial review, as well as quasi‑criminal law matters, inquests, civil law, human rights litigation and strategic public interest litigation. Candidate Requirements A current, unrestricted Australian practising certificate entitling you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner. Entitlement to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners). Advocacy experience; for the Public Defender role includes experience and ability to conduct criminal trials (unled in the County Court); for the Senior Public Defender role includes experience and ability to conduct complex trials and other hearings in the County and Supreme Courts and Court of Appeal. Thorough knowledge, understanding and experience in the practice of State and Federal indictable criminal law and procedure and the laws of evidence. Demonstrated experience working with Australian First Nations people and understanding of cultural norms and communication styles. Other Benefits 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 Please submit your current resume and a cover letter . In your cover letter, outline why you have applied for this role or roles and your relevant skills and experience. Keep the cover letter to two pages and note which role(s) you are applying for. Associate Public Defender (Criminal Law): highlight experience appearing in indictable crime, complex and contested criminal law matters and court advocacy. Associate Public Defender (Youth Crime): highlight experience appearing in complex and contested criminal law matters, court advocacy and experience working with children and young people. Public Defender (Criminal Law): highlight advocacy experience appearing in trials, contested and other complex criminal law matters. Senior Public Defender (Criminal Law): highlight trial advocacy experience in the County and Supreme Courts and experience in appeals, judicial review, strategic litigation and other matters of complexity. If you require adjustments to the recruitment process or alternative format for application material, please contact our team. For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Madeline Ryan, Associate Director – Chambers on or Renee Rao, Recruitment Specialist on Administration Applications close by 11:59 pm on Sunday 7 December 2025. No agency applications will be accepted. Staff must attend office‑based days at their primary work location. Interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. Commitment to Safety VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first. #J-18808-Ljbffr