Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Our Morwell office is closed due to renovations. The office can be contacted on (03) 5126 6444 or search our
online legal information.

Junior counsel

Information about junior counsel in the Trial Counsel Development Program, including selection and partnering processes, fees and training.

On this page

Selection process

We are now seeing expressions of interest for the 2026 intake of junior counsel.

To submit an expression of interest, please apply by email to tcdp@vla.vic.gov.au by 27 January 2026. Your EOI should include:

  • a written application outlining why you want to participate in the program and addressing the below key selection criteria, focussing on your experience as a criminal law advocate (maximum 500 words)
  • a copy of your CV.

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to participate in a written exercise, short interview and oral advocacy exercise before a panel in February 2026.

You do not need to have an established trial practice to apply for the program, however, we are seeking applicants with substantial experience in criminal law advocacy (particularly contested matters), and who are trial-ready. If you have previously applied to join the program, you are welcome to apply again with a fresh application.

Victoria Legal Aid is committed to equitable briefing and we encourage applications from women, First Nations barristers and barristers from other diverse backgrounds.

Key selection criteria for junior counsel

  1. Demonstrated interest in developing a career as a criminal law trial advocate, particularly as defence counsel promoting social justice and the protection of human rights.
  2. Thorough knowledge and experience in the practice of criminal law, particularly as an advocate in indictable and contested matters under both state and federal legislation.
  3. Thorough knowledge and understanding of the laws of evidence and criminal procedure.
  4. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise and negotiate with prosecutorial authorities, police, welfare and other agencies along with the ability to work independently and as part of a legal team, the ability to communicate effectively with clients who are from culturally diverse backgrounds, are socially and economically disadvantaged, or have other complex needs.
  5. Commitment to developing your legal and advocacy skills through active participation in criminal trials, and a willingness to engage in an effective and self-reflective mentoring relationship with senior counsel.

How are lead counsel and junior counsel partnered?

Lead counsel and junior counsel are invited to a welcome event at the beginning of the program each year.

Once a trial is accepted on the program, the instructing solicitor will select lead counsel from the list of program leaders. VLA Chambers advocates clerks will then ascertain the availability of junior counsel on the program. A list of the available junior counsel will be provided to the instructor, with a recommendation for junior counsel who have not yet completed up to three trials.

Consultation with solicitors on their preferences is an important part of the partnering process. We want to ensure that the best combination of advocates is available for clients.

Do junior counsel work with one or several lead counsel?

Junior counsel will ideally work with different lead counsel over the program, so they have the opportunity to learn from different mentors. To promote and encourage joint preparation and opportunities for feedback, lead and junior counsel receive an additional three hours of funded conference time per trial.

Fees

All junior counsel receive brief fees consistent with Table M in the VLA Handbook for lawyers. Junior counsel are also entitled to a three-hour conferencing fee to account for time spent in conference with lead counsel throughout the trial.

Formal training

Junior counsel may be invited to participate in training opportunities and professional legal education throughout the year.

Duration

The program runs over a period of approximately 12–18 months for each cohort of junior counsel. If junior counsel have not had the opportunity to run an appropriate number of trials, they may be invited to remain in the program until they have done so.

Junior counsel from 2024–25

Due to delays and resolutions of trials, a number of the 2024-25 program participants have been invited to remain on the program and can be briefed in suitable trials:

For lawyers

Updated

Back to top
Legal Help Chat