Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $66,772 - $81,080
Grade: WVR 2.2
Occupation: Legal
Location: Various
Reference: VG/VLA/CLICS/1910526
About the program
With three positions available, VLA's First Nations Law Graduate Program provides a supportive, challenging and rewarding environment for First Nations law graduates to:
Over twelve months (starting May 2026), the Graduate program will guide you through the experience, providing you with comprehensive training and mentoring as well as networking opportunities.
As a First Nations Law Graduate program participant, you will complete one placement in either Civil Justice, Criminal law, Family law, Access and Equity, and Internal Legal Practice. You can find out more information about our work at this link: What we do | Victoria Legal Aid.
VLA will pay your PLT course fees, and three days of your work week will be fully devoted to PLT studies. The remaining two days focus on practical tasks, skills development and other on the job learning and shadowing. You'll be a key part of our team with responsibility and have genuine opportunities for career growth and development.
Every day our graduates have many opportunities to expand their knowledge, with access to:
The Law Graduate program is also an ideal pathway to our New Lawyers Program (NLP), as you' ll be guaranteed an interview for the 2027 NLP intake. Once you're Admitted to practice, you can also apply for any of VLA's diverse legal roles across Victoria.
About you
We are looking for community-minded people who embody our values of fairness, care, courage and inclusion, and who want a career in social justice and human rights.
We are looking for First Nations Law Graduates who have the potential to grow into excellent lawyers and build a career at VLA; people who are curious, personable, committed, optimistic and who can show that they are:
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.
This program is open to First Nations law graduates. VLA considers that being an Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
About Victoria Legal Aid
We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1500 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.
At VLA, we offer more than just a job – we offer a career with purpose. You'll be part of a diverse, inclusive organisation that values your ideas and perspectives.
Employee benefits
How to apply
Please apply online, including a cover letter that tells us about why you want to join VLA, and what you hope to learn on the Graduate Program (including any preferences of location &/or legal practice area/s) and submit together with:
As this program is designated for First Nations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Australians provide information that supports your identity as a First Nations person. This can include a certified Confirmation of Aboriginality document or letter from an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation where you are from, or where you live. We understand this can be challenging sometimes, so please contact us if this is a barrier and we can discuss.
For further information, please review the attached position description. If you require adjustment to the recruitment and selection process or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Steph McStay, First Nations Employment Consultant on (03) 9269 0496 or at [email protected] or Laurel Bakos, Early Careers Specialist on (03) 9269 0278 or at [email protected].
Applications close by 11:59pm on Tuesday 10 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.