Mental Health Lawyer

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal service organization in Preston is seeking a Mental Health Lawyer/Senior Mental Health Lawyer. The role focuses on providing culturally safe, trauma-informed legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients within the mental health system. Responsibilities include representing clients at the Mental Health Tribunal and providing civil law support. Candidates should hold a Victorian Practising Certificate and have significant experience in civil law and mental health matters. Competitive salary and flexibility to work from home included.

Benefits

Work from home flexibility

Culturally strong organization

Qualifications

• Victorian Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain one promptly).
• 4+ years post‑admission experience in civil law matters.
• Experience with Mental Health Tribunal representation.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients at the Mental Health Tribunal.
• Manage mental health discrimination matters.
• Provide wrap-around civil law assistance.

Skills

Ability to supervise and manage complex matters

Experience with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients

Communication and collaboration skills

Trauma-informed service delivery

Education

Victorian Practising Certificate

4+ years post-admission experience in civil law

Job description

Location: Preston, VIC
Employment Type: Full‑time, 12‑month fixed term
Salary: $87,305.40 – $101,410.40 (based on experience) + Super + Salary Packaging
Flexibility: 2 days WFH

Make a real impact in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is looking for a passionate Mental Health Lawyer or Senior Mental Health Lawyer to join our Civil Law & Human Rights Practice. This is a unique opportunity to provide culturally safe, trauma‑informed legal services and to advocate for the rights and autonomy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients navigating the mental health system.

This 12‑month role supports the Mental Health Practice during a period of parental leave coverage – an excellent career development opportunity within a supportive, specialist team.

About VALS

VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing culturally safe legal services across criminal, family, civil, human rights and specialty practice areas. For over 50 years we have worked to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive fair, accessible, and culturally respectful support within Victoria’s legal systems.

About the Mental Health Practice

The Mental Health Practice sits within our Civil & Human Rights team and forms part of the state‑wide Mental Health Legal Rights Service – co‑designed with people with lived experience and delivered in partnership with Victoria Legal Aid and the Mental Health Legal Centre.

Our lawyers represent clients before the Mental Health Tribunal and VCAT on compulsory treatment, electro‑convulsive treatment, and related matters. We also provide wrap‑around civil law support in areas such as discrimination, tenancy, employment, infringements, and Working with Children Checks, in collaboration with our Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Officer.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll provide high‑quality, culturally informed legal services including:

• Representing clients at the Mental Health Tribunal
• Running rehearings at VCAT from MHT decisions
• Managing mental health discrimination and complaint matters
• Providing wrap‑around civil law assistance in collaboration with the broader Civil Law & Human Rights Practice
• Building strong relationships with community, health services and sector partners
• (For Senior Lawyers) Leading complex matters and providing strategic advice across VALS teams; potential carriage of coronial inquests involving mental health treatment

What We’re Looking for

• Victorian Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain one promptly)
• Post‑admission experience, ideally including MHT or civil law casework
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients (or strong commitment to developing this capability)
• Unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate
• 4+ years post‑admission experience in civil law matters, including MHT representation
• Ability to supervise, provide strategic advice and manage complex matters

All Applicants

• Strong understanding of the legal issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Expertise in working with clients experiencing acute or complex mental health concerns
• Highly developed communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to deliver trauma‑informed, culturally safe legal services

Mandatory Checks

• Employee Working with Children Check
• Victorian Driver Licence
• National Criminal History Check

Why Join VALS?

• Work in a values‑driven, culturally strong organisation
• Be part of a practice designed and guided by lived experience voices
• Support clients through impactful, rights‑based advocacy
• Collaborative, supportive team with SEWB and paralegal support
• Opportunity to contribute to law reform, community legal education, and sector partnerships