Associate to a Judge in Charge of the County Koori Court, County Court of Victoria

About Us

Court 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 jurisdictions own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

County Court of Victoria

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, Commercial and Common Law and the County Court also has the County Koori Court.  This is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders who plead guilty and was established in 2008.

Aboriginal Elders or Respected Persons advise the Judge on cultural issues relating to the accused and his or her offending behaviour.  Their voices are a powerful cultural feature and send a clear message to the accused the offences are not condoned by Koori or non-Koori communities.

Elders and Respected Persons provide information on the background of the accused and possible reasons for offending behaviour.  They may also explain relevant kinship connections, how particular crimes have affected the Indigenous community and provide advice on cultural practices, protocols and perspectives relevant to sentencing.

About the role

This role is a Koori Identified Position in which some of the duties may involve the development or delivery of programs and/or services which impact on Koori Persons and/or the Koori community.

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 the different approaches taken by barristers for legal arguments and have the opportunity to develop a strong professional network.  You will have exposure to sophisticated and complex legal cases.

The role will include:

• Interaction with Koori participants, Elders, Respected Persons and the community
• Preparation of complex written correspondence
• Liaising 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 required
• Providing operational, administrative and technical legal support
• Proofreading judgments and orders, including the verification of citations
• Managing the Judge'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 using online legal resources

An 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.

In addition to proceedings in Melbourne, judges go ‘on circuit' throughout the year, with their staff, to hear cases in numerous regional Victorian centres.

This position is a VPS 3.1, full time, ongoing position.

About you

As a preferred candidate/s, you will have:

• An ability to understand the experiences of Koori Persons and/or the Koori community
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability writing legal correspondence
• The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a small team
• Demonstrated experience planning and prioritising workloads
• The ability to maintain flexibility with changing priorities in a sensitive and confidential environment
• Demonstrated ability to undertake work in a precise and accurate manner
• Strong computer literacy with demonstrated experience using word processing programs
• 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

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 Apply

Your application must include:

• a cover letter outlining your interests and suitability for the role
• a short statement outlining your interest in this Koori Identified Position
• a current resume
• a copy of your academic transcript

If you would like to learn more, please reach out to:

Avril Diamante

Judicial Staff Coordinator

E: avril.diamente@courts.vic.gov.au

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.