Senior Civil Lawyer

• Full time ongoing position (part-time applications considered)
• 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
• Flexible location: Either Morwell or Bairnsdale

In this leadership role, you will act as an advocate by providing high quality legal services, managing complex civil law case work and advocating in areas that affect people's rights.

A key focus for this role will be mental health and disability law and providing high quality legal services in the La Trobe Mental Health Tribunal. Other areas of work may include tenancy, social security, National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and fines. You will also participate in community legal education and develop collaborative relationships between VLA and local stakeholders.

Senior Lawyers at VLA mentor and train junior lawyers, contributing to their professional growth. This role offers a great opportunity for legal professionals looking to make a meaningful impact, join a collaborative team, and gain exposure to diverse legal work. Travel for community outreach is required.

This role is based at either of our Morwell or Bairnsdale office on Gunaikurnai Country.

As Our Ideal Candidate, You Will Possess:

• Strong knowledge or practical experience in civil law, including court and tribunal procedures, and the ability to work as both an advocate and caseworker.
• Ability to provide strategic legal advice on policy issues and work effectively with partner agencies to manage referrals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A passion for mentoring and supporting junior lawyers to develop their skills and knowledge in civil law.
• A current Australian practicing 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.

We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1400 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.

Discover Gippsland, where career growth meets quality living. With its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities, Gippsland offers diverse job opportunities across industries. Enjoy a lower cost of living, cultural richness, and proximity to both nature and city life. Embrace a fulfilling professional journey and a balanced lifestyle in Gippsland's welcoming communities.

• 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
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance
• Relocation allowance if relocating for the role

To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter.

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 Julie Riva, Regional Manager on (03) 9784 5223 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Wednesday 9 April 2025.

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.