Lawyer, Mental Health and Disability Law

• Full-time ongoing position
• Salary range: $95,187 - $104,924 plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement
  
  

About the roleThe Mental Health and Disability Law (MHDL) team is a valued part of the Mental Health Legal Rights Service (MHLRS), which represents a collaborative legal service model developed in partnership with Victoria Legal Aid (VLA), the Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC), and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS).

In this role, you will provide consumer-centred, trauma-informed legal services to individuals experiencing mental health issues and/or cognitive disability. Responsibilities will include delivering high-quality legal support, such as duty lawyer services, casework, specialised advice, and representation in civil law matters, with particular attention to mental health and disability law.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.

About YouAs Our Ideal Candidate, You Will Possess

• Capacity to provide high-quality legal advice and conduct case work in civil law matters.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with clients with mental health issues, disability and who are experiencing social and economic disadvantage.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a supportive team environment.
• A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).
• Entitlement to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners) (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 VLAWe 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.

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
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.
  

Role

How to applyTo be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter focusing on the key selection criteria below, keeping your cover letter to two-three pages:

• KSC 1 - Capacity to work as an advocate and caseworker in civil law matters, in particular mental health and disability law matters, with knowledge of or practical experience in relevant court and tribunal procedures.
• KSC 2 - Ability to provide legal advice and advocacy within limited time constraints.
• KSC 3 - Excellent interpersonal skills including the capacity to communicate effectively with clients with mental health issues, disability or who experience social and economic disadvantage, and to do so consistent with principles of consumer-centred, trauma-informed and culturally competent practice.
• KSC 4 - Demonstrated ability to engage in reflective practice and capacity to exercise self-care while undertaking challenging work.
  
  

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 Will Tucker, Managing Lawyer, Mental Health and Disability Law on (03) 9767 7159 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 22 November 2026.

Other relevant informationIt 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.