Lawyer, Civil - Supreme Court of Victoria Registry

About Court Services Victoria and the Supreme Court of Victoria

Court Services Victoria (CSV) supports the operations of Victoria's courts and tribunals including the Supreme Court of Victoria, which is the highest court in the state handling major criminal and civil cases along with appeals. The Court aims to foster a high-performance and innovative workplace culture to meet community expectations for outstanding judicial service.

Role Overview

The position involves working within the Civil division of the Supreme Court Registry. The appointed lawyer will be the main point of contact for both internal stakeholders like judicial officers and external representatives. The role supports senior lawyers involved in the Practice Court and Testators Family Maintenance List dealing with urgent applications and cases under the Administration and Probate Act 1958 such as family provision claims from deceased estates.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate incoming cases to decide appropriate handling such as urgent hearings or routine management, and coordinate with parties regarding scheduling.
• Assist in timely case processing and address complex or priority matters with oversight from senior lawyers.
• Prepare and review documentation for urgent hearings in the Practice Court.
• Support the Practice Court Judge during and after hearings.
• Contribute to general case management and deputy prothonotary duties as required.
• Review and prepare cases for directions hearings in the Testators Family Maintenance List, providing assistance to judicial officers.
• Review applications for estate provisions and drafting associated orders under the relevant act.
• Maintain communication and support to legal professionals and court users effectively.
• Help with case management across other Common Law Division lists such as Trusts, Equity and Probate.
• Provide legal and procedural advice to registry staff and officers as needed.

Professional Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication capabilities.
• Highly developed skills in managing time and prioritizing urgent workload.
• Keen attention to detail and meticulousness in reviewing complex documents.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and planning abilities.
• Capacity to analyze and condense large volumes of complicated material.
• Law degree and admission to practice law (current practicing certificate not mandatory).
• Experience post admission in civil litigation and legal writing is preferred.

Additional Information

The role is based full time at 451 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, with up to two days per week flexibility for hybrid (remote) work. Applicants should be mindful that the position may involve exposure to potentially distressing or graphic material due to the nature of court proceedings.

CSV is committed to workforce diversity including Indigenous employment, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, gender equality, disability access, cultural diversity, and neurodiversity. Applicants requiring adjustments to recruitment or alternative formats can request assistance.

Pre-employment screenings such as reference, police, and misconduct checks will be conducted confidentially as part of the hiring process.

Application Process

• Submit a cover letter and resume.
• Applications may be reviewed on receipt prior to the closing date.