Lead legal services in Aboriginal communities with impact

Competitive salary of $124,065 + superannuation + salary packaging

Additional leave, wellbeing programs, and relocation support

Full-time or part-time opportunity based in Melbourne

About Djirra

Djirra is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation with more than 20 years of experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children on their individual journeys. Founded by Antoinette Braybrook, Djirra has grown from just four staff to more than 125 dedicated employees today.

Our holistic services include legal support, case management, wellbeing programs, and community initiatives.. We are committed to a future free from family violence, amplifying women’s voices, and driving system-wide change for justice and equality.

For more information, visit www.djirra.org.au

About the Opportunity

Djirra is seeking a Full-time or Part-time Managing Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, based in Abbotsford, Melbourne. Reporting to the Legal Practice Manager, this role will lead the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe, and client-focused legal services across metropolitan or regional Victoria. Please click here for the full Position Description 

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading, mentoring, and supervising lawyers and support staff
• Fostering a culturally safe, client-focused service culture across your team
• Managing a small caseload of complex or sensitive matters where appropriate
• Ensuring compliance with legal, professional, and accreditation requirements
• Overseeing service planning, evaluation, and reporting in collaboration with leadership
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders
• Supporting law reform, advocacy, and systemic change initiatives
• Working alongside the HR team to assist with recruitment, staff onboarding, and workforce development

About You

To qualify, you will need to be a qualified legal practitioner holding an unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate (or eligible to hold), with the capacity to supervise others. You will also require a Victorian Working with Children Check and a National Police Check.

A minimum of four years’ experience at a senior level in family law, family violence law, child protection, or victims of crime assistance is essential.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• VLA Panel membership
• Demonstrated leadership and people management 
• Strong ability to mentor, supervise, and develop lawyers and support staff
• Experience in service delivery design, community legal education, and stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of systemic issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks such as NACLC Risk Management and Legal Aid Panel

As our ideal candidate, you will be approachable, highly organised, and committed to cultural safety and social justice. You’ll bring strong strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to build trust in sensitive contexts.

About the Benefits

In return for your commitment, you will receive a competitive salary of $124,065 + superannuation

Djirra also offers a range of benefits, including:

• $3,000 relocation support for interstate candidates
• Salary packaging options to boost your take-home pay
• Up to 3 additional paid leave days during the Christmas–New Year closedown, on top of 20 days’ annual leave
• Wellbeing support of up to 8 sessions per year (reimbursed up to $220 per session)
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to you and your immediate family members

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children, we want to hear from you. Apply today!