Associate to a Judicial Officer of the County Court of Victoria (Criminal, Common Law, Commercial)

Acknowledgement of Country

Court Services Victoria respectfully recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the lands and waters on which we live. We honor their Elders past and present, as well as knowledge holders and leaders.

About the County Court of Victoria

The County Court of Victoria, operating under the County Court Act 1958, serves as the primary trial court in Victoria with original and appellate jurisdiction across three key divisions: Criminal, Common Law, and Commercial. Court sittings occur at 12 circuit locations typically lasting 4 to 5 weeks. Judges in the Criminal and Common Law Divisions generally undertake two circuits each year.

Divisions and Their Jurisdictions

• Criminal Law Division: Led by His Honour Judge Wraight, this division addresses indictable offenses under Victorian and Commonwealth law, excluding treason, murder, and certain murder-related charges. Cases include serious theft, armed robbery, drug trafficking, sexual offenses, fraud, dishonesty, culpable driving, serious assault, and tax offenses. Trials are by judge and jury, with some matters overseen by Judicial Registrars.
• Common Law Division: Headed by His Honour Judge Purcell, it deals with compensation and damages cases including workplace injuries, transport accidents, medical negligence, and beneficiary claims under wills. This division holds unlimited monetary jurisdiction for damages. Trials can be heard by a single judge or a judge and jury on request; some matters fall under Judicial Registrars.
• Commercial Division: Under Her Honour Judge Burchell’s guidance, this division manages commercial disputes including arbitration, building, banking, and finance issues with unlimited monetary jurisdiction. Matters are heard primarily by a single judge or occasionally by Judicial or Deputy Registrars.

Role Overview

The Associate will provide expert legal and administrative assistance to Judges or Judicial Registrars, facilitating their duties both in court chambers and during court sessions. This position demands articulate, resilient candidates with advanced writing and analytical capabilities and a passion for justice.

This role offers a valuable opportunity to gain exposure to complex legal issues, judicial reasoning, and advocacy methods, fostering deep knowledge of legal principles within a demanding and sensitive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive operational, administrative, and technical support to judicial officers in chambers and court.
• Accompany Judges on circuit courts throughout regional Victoria in Criminal and Common Law Divisions when required.
• Draft, revise, and proofread legal documents such as orders, judgments, rulings, and sentences, including formatting, citing, anonymisation, publication, and summarisation of facts and evidence.
• Conduct directed legal research and prepare draft documents accordingly.
• Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders including judicial officers, legal practitioners, court personnel, and the public.
• Manage Judges’ schedules, coordinate case management, and assist with court sittings.
• Prepare correspondence and communications necessary for judicial chambers management.
• Maintain accurate records and data entry within case management systems in compliance with record-keeping protocols.
• In Criminal and Common Law Divisions, manage juries during proceedings including arraignments, verdict recording, and maintenance of court files, transcripts, and exhibits when required.
• Utilize advanced technology including integrated video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Webex to support hearings and evidence recording.

Benefits and Development

• Direct collaboration with judicial officers offering insight into judicial decision-making.
• Opportunities to build a broad professional network.
• Participate in continuous learning and development programs.
• Strong foundational experience supporting legal career progression, including practice, policy work, or Victorian Bar advancement.
• Option to fulfill Practical Legal Training requirements.
• Engagement with CSV Koori Staff Network available for First Peoples applicants.

Candidate Profile

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in drafting legal correspondence accurately and precisely.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team.
• Proficiency with computer applications, multiple online platforms, and case management systems.
• Advanced technological skills, particularly with video conferencing tools.
• Strong organisational skills including workload planning and prioritisation.
• Flexibility in managing shifting priorities while maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Valid Australian State or Territory driver's license.

A law degree or experience in legal practice or related fields is highly regarded.

Additional Information

Applications are reviewed as received; early applications are encouraged. A talent pool will be maintained for potential vacancies from August to December 2026.

Wellbeing Support

The County Court recognises the emotionally challenging nature of the work and provides programs and services to support psychological health. Employees are encouraged to actively engage in these resources.

Diversity and Inclusion

Court Services Victoria fosters an inclusive environment valuing diverse backgrounds including Indigenous peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, persons of all ages, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and neurodiverse applicants. Adjustments for recruitment or applications are available upon request.

Pre-employment Checks

Standard screenings include reference, police, and misconduct checks, conducted confidentially to ensure candidate suitability.