Trainee court registrar program

Are you:

a recent graduate
looking for a career change
passionate about public service?

The Magistrates' Court of Victoria's full-time paid training program can build your skills for a rewarding career administering justice to Victorians.

We are looking for organised, professional people with strong communication and interpersonal skills - no legal experience needed.

The Magistrates' Court of Victoria (MCV) is part of Court Services Victoria statutory authority and has a long history of providing justice for the

people of Victoria in metropolitan and regional courts across the state.

Every year, the court hears more than 300,000 cases at 51 venues - around 90% of all cases that come before Victorian courts. The court aims to be an innovative, accessible, and responsive court that provides quality services to the Victorian community.

To learn more about the court and its vision and values, read the Magistrate's Court of Victoria Strategic Plan 2022-2026.

Magistrates' Court of Victoria Strategic Plan 2022-2026

Becoming a Trainee Court Registrar

The Trainee Court Registrar (TCR) program is your gateway into Victoria's justice system.

Whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone passionate about public service - this is your opportunity to step into a role that matters.

What you will do

As a TCR, you will be the face of the court - supporting magistrates, helping the public and ensuring courtrooms run smoothly.

Your training journey

You will complete an in-person training program, typically taking around 18 months designed to build your skills and confidence across all aspects of court operations. Upon successful completion, you can apply to become a Deputy Court Registrar, opening doors to a wide range of roles across the justice system.

In the court room, you will:

Coordinate court hearings (in-person and online).
Support magistrates and judicial registrars.
Make announcements and swear in witnesses.
Operate courtroom technology (audio, video, case management systems).
Liaise with police, lawyers, and court users.
Coordinate courtroom logistics.

Outside the court room, you will:

Assist the public via phone, email, and in person.
Provide procedural advice.
Manage documents and case files.
Support the court's administrative operations.

We are looking for people who:

Are confident and professional.
Are adaptable and have the willingness to learn even if they do not have legal experience.
Are great communicators who are comfortable public speaking.
Are organised and calm under pressure.
Are team players with strong interpersonal skills.

Why join us?

A career with purpose in public service.
Structured training and development.
Pathways to promotion and a long-term career.
A chance to serve your community and support access to justice.

Traineeship

The traineeship includes formal training, job rotations and workplace assessments

Learn more about the traineeship

Benefits

There are many ways MCV supports your health, wellbeing and career development

Discover benefits of working here

Court Locations

There are 51 Magistrates' Courts across metropolitan and regional Victoria

Discover our court locations

Ready to apply?

Start your application today and take the first step toward becoming a Trainee Court Registrar

Apply for the traineeship

Hear from our TCRs

"I am thoroughly enjoying my role as a Trainee Court Registrar, which has allowed me to actively engage with my passion for the criminal justice system. The position has provided an excellent opportunity to apply and further develop my time management, organisational, and interpersonal skills.

It is an incredibly dynamic workplace, with an extremely supportive team who have assisted me in transitioning seamlessly through my induction into the trainee court registrar role.

I would highly recommend applying for this position, which has already proven to be challenging yet rewarding position for me!"

"The TCR program provided me with invaluable insight into the functioning of the Magistrates Court. The learned skills of engaging with the community, problem solving and teamwork are vital to this role and are skills I have carried with me throughout my career."

"I applied for the TCR role after learning about it through a friend working in the role already. She encouraged me to apply for it, and I am glad she did as this role has provided opportunities I never imagined, allowing me to grow in ways I didn't expect and take on responsibilities that have been both challenging and rewarding. My favourite aspect is the collaborative nature of job. Seeing the way that so many different professionals such as court staff, lawyers, judicial officers, police officers, and many other agencies work together to ensure the smooth and efficient running of a courtroom continually amazes me, and being able to coordinate that within the court has felt fulfilling."