Job Title

Associate to a Judge of the County Court of VictoriaCourt Services Victoria provides corporate services and facilities to support the performance of the judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative functions of Victoria''s courts and tribunal, Judicial College and Judicial Commission.Collectively, Victoria''s Supreme, County, Magistrates'', Children''s, and Coroners courts, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the Judicial College of Victoria, the Judicial Commission of Victoria, and Court Services Victoria (CSV) are referred to as the Courts Group''.Our people enable the Courts Group to deliver on each jurisdiction''s own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.CCVThe County Court of Victoria is established pursuant to the County Court Act 1958. It has original and appellate jurisdiction and is the principal trial court in the State of Victoria. The Court hears over 12,000 criminal, common law, and commercial cases each year. The County Court has unlimited monetary jurisdiction in common law and commercial matters. In its criminal jurisdiction, the Court hears all indictable offences except treason, murder, and related offences.There are a total of 80 Judges of the Court and over 300 staff, including judicial support staff. The County Court regularly conducts circuit sittings at 12 circuit courts situated in major centres throughout regional Victoria.The County Court is committed to continuous improvement in accordance with the International Framework for Court Excellence. The Court''s vision is to be a leader in court excellence, delivering the highest standard of justice to the community and inspiring public confidence in the rule of law.Cases are heard across three divisions: Criminal, Commercial and Common Law.About the RoleThis position will primarily work with Her Honour Judge Harper in the Criminal Division which is headed by Her Honour Judge Chambers and has jurisdiction to hear indictable offences under Victorian and Commonwealth Law, as well as appeals from the Magistrates'' Court and Children''s Court. This Division of the Court hears all criminal matters except treason and murder and certain other murder-related offences. The broad range of offences includes serious theft, armed robbery, drug trafficking, sexual offences, fraud and dishonesty offences, culpable driving, serious assault and income and sales tax offences.All trials listed are heard before a judge and a jury.The position of Associate is a highly sought-after role and provides high-level legal and administrative support to the Judge so they can meet their obligations both within the Court and in chambers. The role requires articulate, passionate and resilient individuals who can build positive professional relationships with stakeholders.As an Associate, you will benefit from strong insight into judicial reasoning and decision making, the different approaches to advocacy and submissions taken by barristers, the examination of witnesses giving evidence, the ability to become familiar with relevant legal principles and precedents, criminal procedure and court processes. You will be exposed to sophisticated and complex legal cases and have the opportunity to develop a strong professional network.The role may include:Providing operational, administrative and technical legal supportPreparation of complex written correspondenceDrafting, editing and proof-reading orders, judgments, rulings, and sentences including formatting, citations, anonymization, and publication as well as summarizing facts and evidenceManaging the Judge''s schedule of engagements and commitmentsLiaising with internal and external stakeholders including judicial officers, barristers, solicitors, Court users, registry officers and the public.Assisting the judge with the coordination and case management of matters, including court sittings and liaising with parties, as requiredUndertaking accurate, timely data entry and maintaining all relevant information in the case management systems in accordance with record keeping guidelinesUndertaking legal research using online legal resourcesAn Associate may be required to empanel and swear in juries, take verdicts, record orders made by the Judge and maintain a record of, and secure, exhibits.Working in the Criminal Division of the County Court can be rewarding and meaningful, but it is also a professional environment that may be difficult and confronting. Associates may regularly be exposed to a range of challenging experiences including distressing and disturbing case material such as images, recordings, case history and testimony, as well as observing the evidence given by distressed witnesses regarding potentially traumatic events.In addition to hearing matters in Melbourne, the Judges of the County Court regularly sit across 12 circuit locations. Circuits are generally 4 to 5 weeks in length and most Judges undertake two circuits annually.Associates are generally expected to travel to these regional locations to assist Judges on circuit.About YouAs a preferred candidate, you will have:Well-developed interpersonal and communication skillsThe ability to work both autonomously and as part of a small teamExcellent skills and experience in legal writing, editing, and proofreadingStrong organisational awarenessDemonstrated experience planning and prioritising workloadsThe ability to maintain flexibility with changing priorities in a sensitive and confidential environmentDemonstrated ability to undertake work in a precise and accurate mannerStrong computer literacy with demonstrated experience using word processing programsA valid Australian State or Territory driver licenceA strong interest or experience in criminal lawA law degree and/or experience in legal practice or an associated field will be considered highly desirableCriminal Division: The preferred candidate will be able to demonstrate their resilience and ability to maintain strong communication to convey information confidentially and respond to stakeholders respectfully.Recent law graduates, legal practitioners, those who have undertaken clerkships and placements at the County Court, and candidates interested in a future at the Victorian Bar, are encouraged to apply.How to ApplyYour application must include:a cover letter outlining your interests and suitability for the role, including your interest in the criminal divisiona copy of your academic transcripttwo recent, professional referees (who may be contacted following the interview, with advanced notice and your prior consent)If you would like to learn more, please reach out to:Court Services Victoria (CSV) is the employer of staff at Courts Group. CSV has a firm commitment through its Koori Employment Plan to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our workforce. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for these opportunities. For cultural support please contact the CSV Koori Unit: ku@courts.vic.gov.auWe value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. Those from the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of all ages, with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and those who are neurodiverse, are encouraged to apply.If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don''t hesitate to get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team: careers@courts.vic.gov.auWe aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live. #J-18808-Ljbffr