• Position: Permanent, Full Time (Part Time can be considered) 
• Location: Preston (Hybrid) 
• Salary: $144,202 - $148,561 plus superannuation and salary package 

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

The primary responsibility is to manage VACCA’s expanding Litigation team comprising of two Senior Lawyers and three-four additional lawyers of varying levels of experience.

The primary function of VACCA’s Litigation team is to provide legal advice and representation to delegates of VACCA’s Chief Executive Officer as the ‘Principal Officer’ authorised under section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 to perform and exercise functions and powers of the Secretary of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) in relation to Aboriginal children.

VACCAs Litigation team currently services the Melbourne, Wyndham, Broadmeadows, Moorabbin and Dandenong Children’s Courts and the Magistrates’ Court sitting as the Children’s Court at La Trobe Valley, Wangaratta and Wodonga. 

The Principal Managing Lawyer will also support in undertaking a diverse range of projects that advance the interests of the organisation in the broader political arena including advocating for Aboriginal rights, law reform and self-determination in the context of Victorian truth-telling and Treaty.

About You

• Commitment and understanding of the values that underpin VACCA’s vision and purpose
• Holds an unrestricted practising certificate or ability to obtain same prior to commencement and a minimum of five years post admission experience.
• Experience and skills in managing a legal practice in the social justice sector, including all aspects of operational and administrative management as well as leadership and supervision of legal practitioners of varying levels of experience.
• High level oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated skills in court advocacy and experience appearing or instructing in complex litigation.
• Ability to engage effectively with a broad range of stakeholders including courts, legal professionals, government and Aboriginal people and organisations.
• Capacity to employ critical analytical skills to solve problems and work with a high level of autonomy and also recognise and identify appropriate levels of involvement of executive leadership. 
• Knowledge of the Children Youth and Families Act or related child protection law and policy
• Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended)

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction
• The support of regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities 
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 17.5%  loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel 
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs 
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program 

 We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume.

We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying.

Please click below to download the position description for this role. 

 Principal Managing Lawyer .pdf

Application closes by 25th October 2026

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy