Senior Lawyer, Summary Crime
Victoria Legal Aid
Melbourne VIC
Criminal and Civil Law (Legal)
Government - State (Government and Defence)
Contract/Temp, Full time
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Exciting opportunity to provide high-quality legal services, mentor junior lawyers, and help create positive change in our Summary Crime team.
Full time ongoing position
Salary range: $104,925 - $122,409 plus super plus salary packaging
Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH and office model
About the role
The Summary Crime team are seeking an experienced criminal lawyer to provide high quality legal advice and representation to clients. You will act as a senior lawyer by conducting complex criminal casework management, in-court advocacy, duty lawyer services and advice sessions. You will contribute to the professional development of the in-house legal practice by mentoring and supervising less experienced lawyers and participate in professional legal education when required.
This presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced criminal lawyer looking to develop their leadership and mentoring skills whilst contributing to the strategic direction of the program focused on improving services provided to priority clients.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.
About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
Significant knowledge and practical experience in the law and relevant court procedures, predominately in criminal law.
Effective casework, dispute resolution and advocacy skills.
High-level interpersonal skills, including the ability to form productive professional relationships and communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders at all levels
A collaborative and team-centred approach to your role, with a genuine interest in working together to provide the best possible services.
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 and office model
Training and professional development opportunities
Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals and 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
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a completed candidate application form (listed within the file attachments).
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 informa tion, please review the attached position description or contact Cavell Warren, Managing Lawyer,
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.59pm on Thursday 4 December 2025.
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.
NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.
Summary Crime on 0392803982 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au