Full time ongoing position (part-time considered) Salary range: $90,871 - $104,924 plus super Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement About the role Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking a dedicated Lawyer to join our Bendigo team and provide high-quality legal services in criminal law, family violence, civil law and other legal aid practice areas. Bendigo VLA services the Bendigo law Courts and satellite Courts including Kyneton, Castlemaine, Kerang, Swan Hill, Echuca & Maryborough. As a Lawyer, you will advocate for Legal Aid clients, providing casework, legal advice, and court representation. This is an opportunity to play a key role in ensuring that clients have access to justice, advocating for their rights in court, and working alongside professionals to improve services for the community. We encourage applications from: First Nations people Lawyers with strong connection to the Loddon-Campaspe region and its communities People who reflect the diversity of the clients and communities we serve This role is based at our Bendigo office on Dja Dja Wurrung Country with travel across the region for community outreach. Why relocate to Bendigo? Bendigo is located on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples and is famous for its heritage attractions and thriving local culture of art, food, wine and music, all within striking distance of Melbourne. Enjoy excellent work life balance and relaxed, affordable living without the noise and traffic- this regional city has all of the benefits and amenities of city living, situated in a beautiful regional setting. About you As our ideal candidate, you will possess: Demonstrated ability to advocate effectively, deliver legal advice and casework, and engage in negotiation and dispute resolution on behalf of clients. Knowledge or practical experience in relevant law and procedures, particularly in criminal law and family violence and other legal aid practice areas. High level of interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, staff, and external stakeholders. Proven ability to work collaboratively and foster a cooperative, supportive team environment. A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory). 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 VLA We 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 Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals Free annual flu vaccinations Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources. How to apply To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter. 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 Natasha Vanderheyden, Deputy Managing Lawyer on (03) 5448 2375 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au . No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 1 March 2026. 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.
