Regional Managing Lawyer (Family Law)

• Employment Type: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term 
• Location: Morwell, VIC
• Salary: $120,000 plus superannuation and salary packaging benefits
• Flexible Work: Hybrid working arrangements
  
  

Make a meaningful difference supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in the Gippsland region.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is seeking an experienced legal practitioner to lead regional family law services. This senior role combines complex legal casework with team leadership, community connection, and culturally safe practice.

About VALS
VALS is Victoria's only specialist Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering culturally safe legal and support services across the state.
Our work spans child protection, family violence, family law, criminal law, youth justice, civil law and human rights, alongside wrap-around community programs and advocacy.

About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for delivering and overseeing high-quality family law services in the Gippsland region.
You will:

• Deliver high‑quality casework in child protection, family violence and family law
• Provide urgent and after‑hours legal assistance as required
• Supervise and support Client Service Officers
• Build strong partnerships with Aboriginal community organisations, Victoria Legal Aid and local services
• Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the Client Support Officer including: day to day direction, and maintaining a joint understanding of clients legal and non legal needs through weekly assessment meetings.
• In close conjunction with the CSO, build strong partnerships with Aboriginal community organisations, Victoria Legal Aid and local services
• Contribute to community legal education and practice development
• Lead a positive, inclusive and high‑performing team culture

About You
You are a confident and values-driven legal professional with a commitment to culturally safe practice.
You will bring:

• Admission (or eligibility) as a legal practitioner with an unrestricted practising certificate
• Minimum 4 years PAE in child protection, family violence and family law
• Strong advocacy skills and experience in urgent and complex matters
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a regional office, including with other teams where client need has been identified. 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal communities
• Commitment to VALS values and understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal people in Victoria

Mandatory checks: Working with Children Check, Driver Licence, Police Check, proof of work rights.

Why join VALS?

• Be part of Victoria's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Work in a culturally safe, community-controlled environment driven by respect and self‑determination.
• Support women at one of the most critical points in their lives - your work truly matters.
• Access opportunities for development, collaboration and meaningful community engagement.
• Inclusive workplace welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are passionate about family law, leadership and community justice, we encourage you to apply.
Apply now with your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

VALS strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIASB+ communities and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Recruitment adjustments are available on request.