Regional Practice Lead – Criminal Law Practice in Mildura & Shepparton

Salary Offering:

$100K – 115K depending on experience plus 11.5% Superannuation

Position available in following locations:

• 150 Commerical Road, Morwell, VIC 3840
• Unit 3 / 262 Maude St, Shepparton, VIC 3630

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

This role is full-time fixed term until 30 June 2025(aligned with the funding cycle)

This position may require regional and very occasional interstate travel.

As Regional Practice Lead, you will have 4+ years of practical experience in criminal law and act as a lead advocate for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people interacting with the criminal justice system.

• Provide high quality legal services in Criminal Law matters, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
• Engage with Aboriginal community stakeholders to identify key community legal education (CLE) needs relevant to the regional and local context. 
• Link with, and oversee the development of, partnerships and referral and support pathways within the assigned region to assist VALS clients with access to other legal assistance and services relevant to them. This includes oversight of Aboriginal client service officers (CSOs) and administrative support based at the VALS Office.   

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria and in the High Court of Australia (with an unrestricted practising certificate)
• Capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex criminal law matters, with knowledge of, and practical experience in the law and court procedures within the criminal law jurisdiction
• Ability to supervise, mentor and train staff and volunteers and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills in criminal law
• Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and more broadly with multidisciplinary colleagues and VALS partners
• A commitment to and understanding of VALS and the legal issues faced by members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria
• Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail) and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client management system.

Desirable:

• Member or eligible to be a Victoria Legal Aid Panel member for summary, indictable and youth matters
• Accredited Criminal Law Specialist
• Experience working in the non-profit sector.