About us

The 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.

Cases are heard across three divisions: Criminal, Common Law and Commercial.

The Commercial Division is currently headed by Her Honour Judge Burchell and has an unlimited monetary jurisdiction in commercial matters. Cases involve general commercial matters, complex cases, arbitration, building disputes and banking and finance disputes.

All matters are heard by a single judge, or in some instances, a Judicial Registrar or Deputy Registrar.

The County Court regularly sits across 12 circuit locations except in the Commercial Division.

Further information for this position can be found here:  https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/campaign/countycourtassociates

About the Role

The position of Associate is a highly sought after role and provides high-level legal and administrative support to the Judge or Judicial Registrar so they can meet their obligations both within the Court and in chambers.  The role requires articulate and resilient individuals, with high level written and analytical skills, who are passionate about the justice system.

As an Associate, you will have an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Court and develop an understanding of court processes and procedures.  Associates liaise extensively with the legal profession and observe the work of advocates and the judiciary.  The role will enable you to gain a thorough working knowledge of legal principles and legislation in a dynamic and sensitive environment.  You will be part of a team charged with the responsibility of supporting a Judicial Officer in chambers and in court.

You will benefit from significant insight into judicial reasoning and decision-making, the different approaches to advocacy and submissions taken by advocates and their approach to the examination of witnesses.  You will be exposed to sophisticated and complex legal cases and will also have the opportunity to develop a strong professional network.

The role will 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 proofreading orders, judgments, rulings and sentences including formatting, citations, anonymisation, and publication as well as summarising facts, and evidence.
• Managing the Judicial Officer's 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.

In the Criminal and Common Law Divisions an Associate may be required to manage juries, including arraignments, empanelments and taking verdicts. In all the Divisions an Associate is required to record and disseminate orders made by the Judicial Officer and maintain court files, exhibits and transcripts.   

An Associate must be highly proficient in the use of technology as the role involves utilising technology, often integrated with video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Webex, to facilitate hearings, and to record evidence.

Benefits

There are several key benefits to Associates, including:

• An opportunity to work closely with judicial officers and to gain insight into judicial reasoning and decision-making
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Excellent foundation for a career in the legal profession including progressing to practice, policy work or a career at the Victorian Bar
• Access to health and wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport and Peer Support Programs
• Opportunity to complete the practical component for your Practical Legal Training (PLT)
• Travel to regional locations in the Crime and Common Law Divisions.

About you

As a preferred candidate/s, you will have:

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability writing legal correspondence in a precise and accurate manner
• The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a small team
• Demonstrated strong computer literacy skills with the ability to work on several online programs and case management systems
• Highly proficient skills in the use of technology, particularly for video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Webex
• Strong organisational awareness
• Demonstrated experience planning and prioritising workloads
• The ability to maintain flexibility with changing priorities in a sensitive and confidential environment
• A valid Australian State or Territory driver licence

A law degree and/or experience in legal practice or an associated field will be considered highly desirable

The preferred candidate will have experience in understanding and interpreting complex legal issues. Your written communication skills will demonstrate your ability to be concise and efficient whilst ensuring you are presenting factual and pertinent information based on knowledge, research and analysis.  You will have solid verbal communication skills with the ability to apply clear and concise communication to convey information confidentially and respond to stakeholders respectfully.

You will be required to demonstrate a strong ability to operate and manage technological platforms including case management systems and video conferencing software.  

The preferred candidate will also demonstrate strong resilience skills, particularly in the face of exposure to potentially traumatising material. 

Recent law graduates, legal practitioners and candidates interested in a future in the legal sector, are encouraged to apply.

Note: through the EOI process, the Court is looking to fill future vacancies that may arise between July 2025 and October 2025

If you want to establish a solid foundation and launch your legal career in a progressive and collaborative court environment, APPLY NOW!

If you would like to learn more, please reach out to Sharyn Baré, Talent Acquisition Specialist:  sharyn.bare@courts.vic.gov.au

Wellbeing in the Court Environment

Working at the County Court can be both rewarding and meaningful. At times, however, your work may involve exposure to sensitive, confronting or potentially distressing material. The County Court recognises the impact of these demands on our people, and have a range of services, programs, and strategies in place to help mitigate the psychological impact of exposures.

We are committed to fostering a thriving and supported workforce, and we partner with our employees to make this happen. The County Court expects that employees play an active role in managing their psychological health, including reaching out for assistance to our support services when needed.

Other information

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.au    

We 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.au

We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.