Job Description
Full time ongoing position (part time applications considered)
Salary range: $123,625 - $157,340 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
Up to $15,+00 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model
About
About the roleWe are seeking a Public Defender to join Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) Chambers and provide high quality advocacy for legally aided clients in a range of Civil Justice matters in state and federal courts and tribunals, including:
social security, tenancy, significant fines debt, NDIS matters
matters involving the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Fitness to the Tried) Act, Mental Health Tribunal hearings, guardianship and administration orders
applications for protection visas and judicial review of administrative decisions to cancel visas
discrimination, ****** harassment, victims of crimes issues.
You will provide expert legal advice on complex and strategic issues across VLA's Civil Justice program, and work with Civil Justice lawyers to identify and develop opportunities for strategic litigation. You will also assist in the training and mentoring of lawyers to develop their advocacy skills and knowledge of civil law.
You will also manage at least one Associate Public Defender in the VLA Chambers Civil Justice Practice, ensuring they have appropriate support and guidance.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.
About YouAs Our Ideal Candidate, You Will Possess
Substantial experience, skills and ability in advocacy and complex civil law litigation. You may be a member of the private Bar or a solicitor advocate, experienced in appearing as counsel in complex civil law matters.
Thorough knowledge and experience in the practice of civil law under both State and Federal legislation.
Demonstrated experience providing high level quality advice (oral and written) on Civil Justice legal and policy issues within time constraints, including an ability to perform duties without direct supervision and under a high degree of pressure.
High level interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with staff, external stakeholders and clients with complex needs.
Ability and aptitude for mentoring, training, and assisting in the supervision of legal staff.
Ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a cooperative and supportive environment within VLA Chambers and the Civil Justice program.
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 AidWe 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,+00, Meals & 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 applyTo 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 information, please review the attached position description or contact Madeline Ryan, Associate Director – VLA Chambers on (03) +26+ 0482 or [email protected].
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.5+pm on Monday 31 March 2026.
Other relevant informationIt 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.
Show more
Salary range: $123,625 - $157,340 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
Up to $15,+00 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model
About
About the roleWe are seeking a Public Defender to join Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) Chambers and provide high quality advocacy for legally aided clients in a range of Civil Justice matters in state and federal courts and tribunals, including:
social security, tenancy, significant fines debt, NDIS matters
matters involving the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Fitness to the Tried) Act, Mental Health Tribunal hearings, guardianship and administration orders
applications for protection visas and judicial review of administrative decisions to cancel visas
discrimination, ****** harassment, victims of crimes issues.
You will provide expert legal advice on complex and strategic issues across VLA's Civil Justice program, and work with Civil Justice lawyers to identify and develop opportunities for strategic litigation. You will also assist in the training and mentoring of lawyers to develop their advocacy skills and knowledge of civil law.
You will also manage at least one Associate Public Defender in the VLA Chambers Civil Justice Practice, ensuring they have appropriate support and guidance.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.
About YouAs Our Ideal Candidate, You Will Possess
Substantial experience, skills and ability in advocacy and complex civil law litigation. You may be a member of the private Bar or a solicitor advocate, experienced in appearing as counsel in complex civil law matters.
Thorough knowledge and experience in the practice of civil law under both State and Federal legislation.
Demonstrated experience providing high level quality advice (oral and written) on Civil Justice legal and policy issues within time constraints, including an ability to perform duties without direct supervision and under a high degree of pressure.
High level interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with staff, external stakeholders and clients with complex needs.
Ability and aptitude for mentoring, training, and assisting in the supervision of legal staff.
Ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a cooperative and supportive environment within VLA Chambers and the Civil Justice program.
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 AidWe 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,+00, Meals & 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 applyTo 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 information, please review the attached position description or contact Madeline Ryan, Associate Director – VLA Chambers on (03) +26+ 0482 or [email protected].
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.5+pm on Monday 31 March 2026.
Other relevant informationIt 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.
Show more
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Public Defender, Civil Justice position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Melbourne offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
