Organisation : Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Location : Melbourne (Preston)
Work type : Full-time
Sector : Community Development, Indigenous, Law, Justice & Human Rights
Salary type : Annual Package
Salary : Level 3.1 – 3.7: $63,736 to $77,427
Application closing date : 2 Feb, 2020
About the organisation
Overview
We were established as a community-controlled organisation in 1973 to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. The organisation has a long and proud history of providing legal and service support for Aboriginal Victorians who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing negative contact with the justice system and advocating locally, nationally and internationally for the rights of Aboriginal people.
We strive to:
- Promote social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- Promote the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to empowerment, identity and culture;
- Ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy their rights, are aware of their responsibilities under the law and have access to appropriate advice, assistance and representation;
- Reduce the disproportionate involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system; and
- Promote the review of legislation and other practices which discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Values
Respect
We advocate for and demonstrate the right of every person to be treated with dignity and respect.
Culture
We remember what we are here for and how our organisation came into being and ensure we are centred within our communities.
Commitment
Our team is committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal people. We keep our word and stand by our commitments.
Self-Determination
We respect and promote the principle of self-determination in everything that we do. We will achieve change for Aboriginal communities and ensure the realisation of self-determination.
Independence
We are Apolitical. We are independent.
Integrity
We are steadfast in our adherence to our values. We take every reasonable measure to protect our clients. We offer independent, professional and high level legal representation.
Equality
We fight for our communities to be equal before the law and to rectify the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system. VALS promotes the right to be different, free from discrimination and valued as an individual. We are an inclusive workplace that respects and protects equality.
About the role
Overview
Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.
Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility
1. Under the supervision of the Senior Criminal Lawyers and the Executive Officer Legal Practice, appear with leave as an advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court Criminal Division, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts in order to represent clients of VALS in criminal matters.
2. Under the supervision of the Senior Criminal Lawyers and the Legal Practice Manager, deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters for members of the ATSI community.
3. Participate in the on call after hours roster and Under the supervision of the Senior Criminal Lawyers and the Executive Officer Legal Practice provide emergency advice to members of the ATSI community in Victoria. Further, ensure all VALS clients are represented whilst in custody.
4. Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.
5. Participate in case-planning meetings with the criminal law section weekly.
6. Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid and other community organizations with whom VALS interacts.
7. Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
8. You will be required to travel across Victoria to deliver services to the ATSI community. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: Criminal Lawyer via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Community_Development, #Indigenous, #Law_Justice_and_Human_Rights
