Managing Lawyer

About Us:Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) provides legal representation to those who need it most.
With over 1400 people 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.
As VLA's virtual 'front door', our Legal Help service is a major entry point to the Victorian legal system.
We respond to 200,000 enquiries a year, providing intake, referrals, legal information, and advice by phone, webchat, and in person.
We are on an exciting journey of transformation to modernise our services and better support people who need assistance and our staff.
As we move through a significant restructure and service transformation, we are looking for an inspiring leader to join our team as Managing Lawyer.
Role Overview:As our Managing Lawyer, you will be a key member of our Legal Help Leadership team, and play a pivotal role in driving change within our Legal Help service.
While we are seeking a senior lawyer with significant practice experience, we are placing an even greater emphasis on leadership skills and the ability to navigate complex transformations in a positive and supportive manner.
You will lead a large team, champion change, and ensure that our service delivery continues to be responsive, efficient, and deeply aligned with our values of Fairness, Care, Courage and Inclusion.
In this role, you will develop and guide your team following a significant restructure and drive the transformation of how we deliver high volume legal services to people with complex needs and circumstances.
You will need to motivate and inspire your team through this change, building a great work culture while maintaining the highest standards of service.
Key Responsibilities: * Lead, mentor, and manage a large team of legal professionals, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and positive work environment.
* Champion and embed change management initiatives as part of Legal Help's restructure and service transformation.
* Ensure the team delivers high-quality, client-centered legal services to vulnerable individuals, upholding our commitment to social justice.
* Work closely with senior leadership to drive strategic initiatives and maintain alignment with our broader VLA mission and goals.
* Promote and implement best practices in service delivery, client communication, and legal excellence.
* Advise on complex legal matters and provide expert guidance to team members on legal issues.
* Represent VLA in key stakeholder meetings and foster strong relationships with external partners, including Victorian government and legal assistance sector bodies.
About You:We are looking for someone who is not only an experienced lawyer but also a natural leader with a passion for inspiring others and leading through change, including: * Leadership: You are an inspiring, supportive, and transformative leader who thrives on leading teams through change and creating a positive, high-performing culture.
* Legal Expertise: You are an experienced senior lawyer with a proven track record in managing complex legal matters.
* Change Management: You have a demonstrated ability to lead teams through significant change, ensuring that transformation is embraced and implemented effectively.
* Customer Service Focus: You understand the importance of delivering excellent service that is as effective and efficient as possible, and have experience leading teams that put client needs at the heart of their work.
* Values-Driven: You are motivated by a deep commitment to social justice and improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals, and you align with our VLA values.
* Collaboration & Communication: You are a skilled communicator, able to build strong relationships both within VLA and with external partners, stakeholders, and clients.
Don't meet every requirement?
At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable.
If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.
You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.
Why Join Us?
* Make a real difference: Lead a team that is transforming the way that we enable access to justice for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
* Impactful leadership: You will be a key player in reshaping our services for the future and have the opportunity to drive lasting positive change.
* Professional development: We are committed to supporting your growth, offering opportunities for further training and career development in a supportive, values-driven environment.
* Inclusive work culture: We are a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team that values respect, integrity, and excellence.
* Benefits include: flexible and hybrid work arrangements, excellent salary packaging options (incl.
General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650), Novated Leasing, Myki Commuter Club and free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office.
If you are an inspiring leader with the experience and vision to guide us through this exciting transformation, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply:Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your leadership experience and why you are passionate about ensuring access to justice for all Victorians.
Applications close by 11.59pm Wednesday 27 November 2024.
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.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.
For more information, please review the attached position description or contact Jon Cina, Director – Legal Help on (03) 9269 0645 or Renee Rao, Recruitment Specialist on ******.
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.