Regional Practice Lead

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Werribee VIC Location: Werribee VICEmployment Type: Full-Time | Fixed Term (strong potential to become ongoing)Working Arrangement: HybridOrganisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)Salary: $115,000 + Super + Salary Packaging About VALS The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state’s only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation. About the Role As the Regional Practice Lead, Wyndham, you will provide expert, culturally safe legal representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people (up to 21 years old) in the youth justice and criminal legal system. Working within the Balit Ngulu program, you will appear as a senior advocate in the Children’s Court (Criminal Division), Koori Court, Magistrates’ Court, and higher courts (as required). You will lead complex youth crime casework, support case planning, supervise junior legal staff and ACE Workers, and foster strong community partnerships across the Wyndham region and at the Wyndham Court. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to social justice, community empowerment, and systemic change within a culturally safe environment. Key Responsibilities Provide culturally safe legal representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in youth justice and criminal matters. Appear as a senior advocate in the Children’s Court, Koori Court, Magistrates’ Court and higher jurisdictions as required. Manage complex youth crime casework and support weekly case planning. Build strong partnerships with community organisations, courts, VLA, schools and other stakeholders across the Wyndham region. Supervise and mentor Balit Ngulu lawyers, paralegals and ACE Workers. Contribute to community legal education, youth justice advocacy and law reform initiatives. Maintain up-to‑date knowledge of youth justice legislation and best practice. About You Admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria, with minimum 4 years’ experience in Criminal Law. Eligibility for Victoria Legal Aid panels (summary, indictable, youth). Experience working in the non‑profit sector. Strong advocacy and casework capability within youth crime jurisdictions. Experience supervising solicitors, paralegals, and CSOs. Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Commitment to VALS’ mission and understanding of the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. Basic competency in MS Office and ability to learn VALS’ client management systems. What We Offer 17.5% Leave Loading 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team Ongoing professional development and training opportunities A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment How to Apply To apply, please provide: Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees. Submit your application to using the subject line: ‘Application for Regional Practice Lead – Wyndham at VALS’. VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued. Please note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement. #J-18808-Ljbffr