Make a real impact in regional Victoria. Join VALS as a Regional Practice Lawyer in Shepparton and use your criminal law expertise to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities while building a meaningful career in a values-led, culturally safe organisation. This is a standout opportunity for a senior criminal lawyer who wants more than just a caseload — you’ll lead important work, mentor others, strengthen local partnerships, and help improve access to justice in the region.
 
Why join VALS?
At VALS, you’ll be part of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation with more than 50 years of experience delivering culturally safe, trauma-informed legal and community justice services across Victoria. We work to advance Aboriginal self-determination and improve justice outcomes through strong advocacy, holistic support and genuine community connection. For the right candidate, this role offers the rare combination of meaningful impact, senior-level autonomy, and the lifestyle benefits of regional living.

• Salary of $115,000 – $120,000 plus super and salary packaging
• Full-time, 12 months fixed-term role with the potential for ongoing employment 
• Additional annual leave benefits, leave loading and access to flexible work arrangements
• A chance to step into a visible leadership role with mentoring and supervision responsibilities
• Meaningful work that combines advocacy, community engagement and service improvement
• The opportunity to live and work in Shepparton, with a shorter commute, strong community connection and a more balanced regional lifestyle
• Be part of a committed, inclusive team that values diversity, cultural safety and professional growth

 
About VALS
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the state’s specialist legal and community justice service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our work spans criminal, family, civil and human rights law, alongside holistic supports including a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, community legal education and culturally grounded client support.
 
About the role
Based in Shepparton and reporting to the Principal Managing Lawyer, Criminal Law, you’ll deliver high-quality criminal law services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients across the region. You’ll appear in court, manage complex matters, supervise team members, and work closely with community stakeholders and service partners to strengthen local pathways to support. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who is confident in advocacy, committed to culturally safe practice, and motivated by making a difference where it matters most.
 
What you’ll do

• Represent clients in criminal law matters across the Magistrates’, County, Children’s and Koori Courts
• Manage a varied caseload, including complex and serious indictable matters
• Provide duty lawyer services, legal advice, advocacy and casework
• Supervise and support Client Service Officers and other team members in the regional practice
• Build strong relationships with Aboriginal community stakeholders and partner services
• Contribute to community legal education and local service development
• Help ensure clients can access culturally safe, holistic and well-connected support

 
What you’ll bring

• Admission, or eligibility for admission, as a legal practitioner in Victoria and the High Court of Australia, with an unrestricted practising certificate
• Strong criminal law advocacy and case management experience, ideally including indictable and youth matters
• The ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities in a culturally safe, respectful and strengths-based way
• Experience mentoring, supervising or developing legal or multidisciplinary staff
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A commitment to social justice and an understanding of the legal issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria
• Victoria Legal Aid panel eligibility and accredited criminal law specialist status will be highly regarded

 
To be successful, you’ll also need

• A current Employee Working with Children Check
• A valid Victorian driver’s licence
• A National Criminal History Check
• Proof of your right to work in Australia

 
Apply now
If you’re looking for a role where you can bring your criminal law expertise, grow your leadership capability and make a genuine difference in regional Victoria, we’d love to hear from you. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences and communities. If you’re excited about the role but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply.