Associate to Her Honour Judge K Bourke, County Court of Victoria

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. 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.

About the Role

The Court is seeking to appoint an Associate to support her Honour Judge K Bourke at the County Court of Victoria. Her Honour sits exclusively in the Common Law Division and is the Judge in Charge of the Institutional Liability List.

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. The Court hears over 12,000 criminal and civil cases a year. The County Court has unlimited monetary jurisdiction in civil matters. In its criminal jurisdiction, the Court hears all indictable offences except treason, murder and related offences. 

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. This is an exciting opportunity to build on your legal portfolio whilst contributing to critical service delivery at the Court.

As her Honour's Associate, you will provide high level operational, administrative and technical legal support to Judge K Bourke both in chambers and in court. The role involves case file management, may include legal research and requires excellent organisational skills, sound judgment and the ability to communicate with a diverse range of people in a variety of situations.

Ideally you will have a suitable legal background and a particular interest in the types of matters heard by her Honour in the Common Law Division. A high level of attention to detail, superior written, verbal, interpersonal and technical skills, the ability to communicate intelligently and with discretion on matters relating to court processes, the ability to balance competing demands on your time and work well under pressure, and the drive to succeed.

The Associate operates within a complex and demanding environment. The role requires a high degree of sensitivity, confidentiality, and professionalism as you will be working closely with Judges, court staff, legal practitioners, and court users.

The County Court regularly conducts circuit sittings in multiple regional cities throughout Victoria. Judge K Bourke and staff usually undertake two such circuits of several weeks' duration each year.

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

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:

• resume 
• a short cover letter
• copy of your academic transcript
• comprehensive responses to the online application questons

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the County Court website www.countycourt.vic.gov.au to find out more about the County Court's jurisdiction.

For any enquiries about this position please contact Sue Pearce, Judicial Staff Coordinator at Sue.Pearce@courts.vic.gov.au.

No late applications will be accepted. All applications must be lodged online via the Careers Victoria website. 

Other information

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.

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.

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

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 by calling (03) 9032 0500 to speak to a People Services Advisor.