Deputy Managing Lawyer – state practice Full time or part time maximum term position up to 31 December 2026 Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 (pro rata) plus super Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement Deputy Managing Lawyer – Commonwealth practice Full time or part time maximum term position up to 31 December 2026 Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 (pro rata) plus super Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement About the rolesThe Economic and Social Rights (ESR) Program advances the quality of, and access to, rights which most affect the standard of living of disadvantaged Victorians. The Deputy Managing Lawyer – state practice role will contribute to the operational leadership and support of high-quality legal services across the state with a focus on the state-based practice in the Economic and Social Rights team, in particular tenancy, infringements, Worker Screening Act and coronial matters. The Deputy Managing Lawyer – Commonwealth practice role will contribute to the operational leadership and support of high-quality legal services across the state with a focus on the Commonwealth-based practice including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and social security. These roles will work in collaboration with the Associate Director, Managing Lawyer and existing Deputy Managing Lawyers, and will also provide day-to-day operational management, legal supervision and mentoring of ESR lawyers. This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country. About youAs our ideal candidate, you will possess: A current unrestricted Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner. Entitled to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners). Demonstrated experience working with Australian First Nations people and understanding of cultural norms and communication styles (highly desirable). People management skills to motivate a team and provide supervision, mentoring and debriefing. Leadership capabilities including experience in service planning and project coordination and management. If applying for Deputy Managing Lawyer – state practice: Demonstrated capacity to work as a lawyer in complex matters including substantial knowledge or practical experience in the law and relevant court procedures with a focus on tenancy, infringements, Worker Screening Act and coronial matters If applying for Deputy Managing Lawyer – Commonwealth practice: Demonstrated capacity to work as a lawyer in complex matters including substantial knowledge or practical experience in the law and relevant court procedures with a focus on NDIS and social security. Please see the individual position descriptions for more information. Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate. About VLAWe offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 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 A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements Hybrid work from home & office model Generous leave benefits, including: Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays) Paid gender affirmation leave Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing Discounted annual Myki public transport passes Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals Free annual flu vaccinations Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources. How to applyTo be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter stating which role/s you are applying for (you may wish to apply for both), and 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 Sam Sowerwine, Associate Director – Economic and Social Rights Program on (03) 9269 0264 or Renee Rao, Recruitment and Retention Consultant on recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au. No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 15 February 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.
