Associate to the Honourable Justice McLeish, Court of Appeal

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 jurisdiction's own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

SCV

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 characterised by creativity, innovation, flexibility, and quality delivery.

About the role

The Honourable Justice McLeish is seeking a legally qualified individual to be his associate with an anticipated commencement date in March/April 2026. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in civil and criminal appellate matters in the Court of Appeal division of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Duties of an associate include:

• preparing research memoranda and case summaries, and assisting in the production of judgments, including proofreading and editing;
• clerking in Court, and using courtroom technology to ensure proceedings are transcribed and technological aids are readily available to counsel;
• managing the Judge's chambers; and
• accompanying the Judge to circuit courts in regional Victoria, as and when required. 

About you

The successful applicant will have been admitted to legal practice, and subsequent employment experience is desirable.

Excellent research and writing skills, proficiency in grammar and a strong academic record are essential. One or more of: experience on the editorial committee of a university law journal; mooting; research work for an academic; and/or a higher degree in law, are preferred.

To be successful in the role, you will possess the following:

• demonstrated ability in legal research and writing;
• demonstrated ability in statutory interpretation;
• interpersonal and communication skills;
• a high degree of sensitivity and professionalism;
• excellent computer literacy;
• well-developed proofreading skills with proficiency in grammar; and
• an excellent academic record.

How to apply

Applications comprising a cover letter, resume, a certified copy of your academic transcript and one recent example of a publication or other written relevant work should be submitted online, via the Victorian Government Careers website. The closing date for applications is midnight Sunday, 2 November 2025. Applications will be considered as they are received and you may be contacted prior to the application close date.

Applicants are not required to separately address the key selection criteria.

For any enquiries regarding this expression of interest, please contact Rebekah Goulevitch (Court of Appeal Judicial Services Coordinator) at rebekah.goulevitch@supcourt.vic.gov.au or on (03) 8600 2122; or Andrew Butler (Justice McLeish's current associate) at chambers.mcleishja@supcourt.vic.gov.au or on (03) 8600 2431.

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 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.