Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $90,871 - $104,924
Grade: WVR 3.2
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - Eastern suburbs
Reference: VG/VLA/RSD/1925091
About the role
This role is part of a new service model that's focused on improving legal access for people receiving compulsory mental health treatment. It's a collaborative approach between VLA, Mental Health Legal Centre and Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, co-designed with people who have lived experience of the mental health system.
As a Lawyer - Mental Health incl Assessment Referral Court (ARC), you will primarily focus on legal assistance to people appearing before the Mental Health Tribunal in accordance with the Mental Health Legal Rights Service (MHLRS) model. You will also appear as an advocate in the Assessment and Referral Court and have the opportunity to work across in other civil, criminal and/or family violence matters.
This role will provide you with an opportunity to work across connected legal issues impacting our clients and help improve access to justice for clients experiencing disadvantage in the community.
The Ringwood Office is one of VLA's largest metropolitan offices, providing services to Heidelberg and Ringwood Magistrates Courts, the Mental Health Review Tribunal, and various outreach services. The office is home to approximately 65 staff members and enjoys an excellent workplace culture.
This role is based at our Ringwood office on Wurundjeri Country.
About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
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.
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 Robbert Roos, Deputy Managing Lawyer, Ringwood on (03) 9259 5430 or [email protected].
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 1 June 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.