Lawyer, Drug Court

Job Description

Applications close Sunday 2 March 2025 at 11.59PM Overview Work type: Full time Salary: $87,799 - $98,901 Grade: VLA3 - V3LO3C Occupation: Legal Location: CBD Reference: VG/VLA/CL/1844556VLA are seeking a dedicated lawyer to play an active role in supporting participants to address their drug and/or alcohol dependency and advocate for clients on Drug and Alcohol Treatment Orders. 1x full time ongoing position 1x full time fixed term position up to 12 months Salary range: $87,799 - $98,901 plus super plus salary packaging Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model About the role Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) are seeking a dedicated lawyer to conduct casework, advocate and provide legal information and advice to clients impacted by drugs and alcohol (including those in custody or on Drug and Alcohol Treatment Orders). There is a strong focus on advocacy in this role where you have the opportunity to appear in bail applications, pleas, sentence hearings, screening hearings, review hearings and applications to cancel. You will work closely with the Senior Drug Court Lawyer and will report to the Deputy Managing Lawyer. Continue to build relationships with partners and stakeholders in addressing client needs and improving client access to justice, keep up-to-date with relevant policy and strategy changes and assist in driving continuous improvement initiatives across Victoria Legal Aid. This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country. About you As our ideal candidate, you will possess: Demonstrated knowledge and capability in the practice of criminal law Experience in the use of therapeutic approaches and problem-solving within criminal justice Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse stakeholder group 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. About Victoria Legal Aid We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1300 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. Employee benefits 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 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 To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria . 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 Kirsten Matthews, Deputy Managing Lawyer on (03) 9280 3739 or No agency applications will be accepted. Other relevant information 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. Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 2 nd March 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr