ABOUT YOU

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Extensive experience in criminal law, particularly in complex cases and using therapeutic approaches in the justice system.
• Knowledge or practical experience in mental health and/or disability law, with the ability to navigate legal issues affecting vulnerable clients.
• A strong ability to mentor and supervise junior lawyers, providing them with guidance and helping them develop their skills and understanding.
• Experience working with people with mental health issues, intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, or other neurological impairments.
• An understanding of the challenges impacting on people experiencing mental illness and cognitive impairment accessing services and other related systems (highly desirable).
• 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 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 THIS ROLE

• Full time ongoing position (part-time considered)
• Salary range: $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Assessment and Referral Court (ARC) List is commencing at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court in September 2026, and we are seeking a Senior ARC Lawyer to join our team prior to its implementation.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to therapeutic approaches in the justice system in the North West region by addressing the needs of accused persons who have a mental illness or cognitive impairment.
In this role, you will provide high-quality legal advice and represent clients in the ARC and other Courts and Tribunals. You will be responsible for mentoring and supervising junior lawyers, supporting their professional growth, and ensuring they understand the ARC processes.
Additionally, you will oversee the delivery of VLA duty lawyer services in the ARC and will assist in the development of policies and strategies aimed at improving ARC services and access to justice.
The Broadmeadows team provides legal services across criminal law, youth crime, family violence, family law, child protection and civil law. A large team of Independent Mental Health Advocates are also based in the region. Legal services are provided across two Magistrates’ Courts (Broadmeadows and Seymour), the Specialist Children’s Court (Broadmeadows), the Mental Health Tribunal, the AAT, VCAT and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Broadmeadows is located in the City of Hume which is home to a diverse population. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with many residents from different ethnic backgrounds.
This role is based at our Broadmeadows office on Wurundjeri Country.