The County Court of Victoria

The County Court of Victoria is established pursuant to the County Court Act 1958.  It is Victoria's principal trial court, which hears and determines criminal, common law and commercial matters. 

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.

Our judges also sit as the heads of jurisdiction at the Magistrates' Court, Coroners Court and Children's Court, and they sit at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal as Vice-Presidents.

Court proceedings are open to the public, other than when a judge considers that closing the court is in the interests of justice. 

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.

What is the role of an Associate?

The position of an Associate to a Judge, is a unique role providing an excellent introduction for aspiring legal practitioners and barristers. The responsibility of an Associate is to provide operational, administrative and technical legal support to a Judge or Judicial Registrar both in chambers and in court. These positions provide an exclusive opportunity to gain experience in court processes and procedures. Associates liaise extensively with the legal profession, observe the work of advocates and the judiciary, and gain working knowledge of legal principles and legislation. The role requires articulate and resilient individuals, with high level written and analytical skills, who are passionate about the justice system.

The role has a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities, some of which include:

•  Preparation of correspondence and other communication required in the management of judicial chambers
•  Liaising with internal and external stakeholders including judicial officers, barristers, solicitors, other court staff, court users, registry officers and the public.
• Assisting the judicial officer with the coordination and case management of matters, including court sittings and liaising with parties.
• Providing operational, administrative and technical support to judicial officers both in chambers and in court.
• Drafting, editing and proof-reading orders, judgments, rulings and sentences including formatting, citations, anonymisation, and publication as well as summarising facts, and evidence.
• Managing the Judicial Officers schedule of engagements and commitments.
• Undertaking accurate, timely data entry and maintaining all relevant information in the case management systems in accordance with record keeping guidelines.
• Undertaking legal research as directed by the Judicial Officer and preparation of required draft documents.

An Associate may be required to manage juries, including arraignments and take verdicts, record and disseminate orders made by the Judicial Officer and maintain court files, exhibits and transcripts.  

The Court utilises a variety of technological systems and platforms to ensure parties are supported to attend all necessary hearings and can deliver services across all areas within Victoria.  This means an Associate must be highly proficient in the use of technology including video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Webex, to facilitate hearings, and to record evidence.

"Working at the County Court has given me the invaluable opportunity of being mentored by a Judge. The ability to understand their thinking and reasoning is vital to becoming a nuanced lawyer. Travelling on circuit has also given me an immense sense of purpose and highlights the importance of access to justice in regional Victoria."

"As a judge's associate every day offers an incredible opportunity to see advocacy first-hand. This is an invaluable experience for anyone pursuing a career in law."

"Working in the Commercial Division of the County Court has been an invaluable experience in shaping my understanding of where a career in law can lead. Collaborating closely with judges and fellow associates has significantly deepened my knowledge of the law and, in particular, the workings of the courtroom. I couldn't recommend the role of an associate more highly."

"Working as a judge's associate is an incredible experience, as you get first-hand insight into how the Court operates and an up-close look at advocacy. The connections I have made in this job, not just with my Judge and co-associate, but also with other judges, associates, tipstave's, and court staff has been extremely enriching, and I cannot recommend this job enough for people who are looking for a different kind of experience in the legal field."