Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time or part-time
Salary: $113,668 - $131,153
Grade: WVR 4.2
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/VLA/VLAC/1924115
About the role
We are seeking an Associate 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 all courts and tribunals, including:
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.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.
About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
Please note that when we use the term ‘civil law' we mean administrative law, human rights law or public law generally, as well as the specific subject matter areas Civil Justice works in at VLA, which are described above under ‘About the role'.
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
How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing only key selection criteria 1, 2, 4 and 8. You do not need to address any other key selection criteria in your 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 contact:
- Madeline Ryan, Associate Director, Chambers on (03) 9269 0482 or [email protected] if you are contacting us between 29 June and 10 July 2026; or
- Hollie Kerwin, Public Defender – Civil on (03) 9269 0141 or [email protected] after 10 July 2026.
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.59pm on Thursday 23 July 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.