Principal Lawyer, Civil & Deputy Prothonotary

About Us

The Supreme Court of Victoria is the highest court in Victoria and comprises the Court of Appeal and the Trial Division. The Court deals with major criminal and civil matters, plus appeals against decisions of lower courts.

The Supreme Court of Victoria recognises that its people are integral to its ability to meet and exceed community expectations and to achieve its goal of being an outstanding superior court. We continually strive to create a high-performance workplace that is characterized by creativity, innovation, flexibility, and quality delivery.

About the Role

Are you looking to join a dynamic and progressive Court in a specialist legal role?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior legal practitioner to join the Supreme Court of Victoria in a leadership role as Principal Lawyer of the Civil arm of the Supreme Court Registry. Reporting to the Executive Director Supreme Court Operations & Prothonotary, this position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Civil arm of the Registry and is a critical, senior level position which exercises the powers and duties of the Prothonotary as a senior deputy prothonotary. The role leads a large multi-disciplinary team of case management lawyers and registry officers which supports the Common Law Division, Commercial Court and the Costs Court.

Duties and responsibilities

As a senior non-judicial expert in civil law matters in the Trial Division of the Court you will:

• Support judicial officers, in particular, the Principal Judges and Judicial Registrars of the Commercial Court, Common Law Division and Costs Court, in the direction, management and reform of the operations of these divisions of the Court.
• Provide professional leadership, management and development of an integrated team of legal professionals and administrative officers with responsibility for management of civil proceedings and the administration of the functions of the Prothonotary. Manage high profile and/or complex matters across a broad spectrum of areas of civil law.
• Exercise functions conferred by legislation including making decisions as a deputy prothonotary under Court Rules
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to provide authoritative advice and leadership in the areas of civil law and practice reform and policy.
• Work collaboratively across the Court and other jurisdictions to develop and implement policies and protocols that achieve performance objectives and enhance access to justice.
• Work with the Executive Director Supreme Court Operations and Prothonotary and other operational managers of the Court to ensure a high level of service across the Court's Registry.

About You

• Demonstrable experience working in a complex environment and regularly dealing with ambiguity and a high level of risk.
• An established leader with a proven track record in expertly managing the provision of high-level specialist advice to a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Extensive and demonstrated experience in civil litigation.
• Specialist knowledge of the practice and procedures of the Victorian Courts and Tribunals system
• Tertiary qualification in law and admission to practice.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we welcome your application.

Click the apply now button ensuring you include the following in your application:

• Resume
• A brief cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with the duties and responsibilities of this role (no more than 2 pages)

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 do not hesitate to email the contact person listed in the advertisement.

As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, we conduct pre-employment checks, including but not limited to, reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially and with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both our candidates and the organisation.