Associate to the Sexual Offences, Family Violence and Stalking List

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.

 

CCV

The County Court of Victoria (CCV) within Court Services 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 County Court regularly sits across 12 circuit locations. Circuits are generally 4 to 5 weeks in length and most Judges in the Criminal and Common Law Divisions undertake two circuits annually.

 

The Criminal Law Division is headed by His Honour Judge Wraight and has jurisdiction to hear indictable offences under Victorian and Commonwealth Law and appeals from the Magistrates' Court and Children's Court. This Division of the Court hears all criminal matters except treason and
murder and certain other murder- related offences. The broad range of offences includes serious theft, armed robbery, drug trafficking, sexual offences, fraud and dishonesty offences, culpable driving, serious assault and income and sales tax offences.

All trials listed are heard before a judge and a jury. Some other matters are heard by a Judicial Registrar.

Learn more: Criminal Division - County Court of Victoria

 

About the Role

The position of Associate to the Sexual Offences, Family Violence and Stalking List 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 an articulate and resilient individual, with high level written and analytical skills, who is passionate about the justice system.

As an Associate in this newly gazetted List, you will have an exciting opportunity to establish and maintain protocols and learning materials, support the List Judges and gain valuable experience in the Court.  The role will enable you to gain a thorough working knowledge of legal principles and legislation in a complex, demanding and sensitive environment.

The role will include:

• Providing exemplary administrative support to the Judge in charge of the List and other List Judges
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders including Judges, barristers, solicitors, court staff, court users and the public.
• Preparation of the daily list including diary management and file management
• Supporting the training and updating of Associates working for the List Judges as well as providing overview training for new Crime Associates in partnership with Learning and Development Associates
• Establishing and maintaining protocols and procedures for the List
• Liaising with the List Judge's Associate for entry of List commitments into the List Judge's schedule Undertaking accurate, timely data entry and maintaining all relevant information in the case management systems in accordance with record keeping guidelines
• Participating in the development of guidelines and protocols to recognise and address the potential for vicarious trauma among associates working in the List in partnership with the Learning and Development team

 

A List Associate may be required to undertake arraignments, record and disseminate orders 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, including:

• An opportunity to work closely with List Judges and to gain some insight into judicial reasoning and decision making in a fast-paced emvironment
• Learning and development opportunities in a specialised List
• Excellent foundation for a career in the legal profession including progressing to practice, policy work or a career at the Victorian Bar
• Opportunity to complete the practical component for your Practical Legal Training (PLT)

 

About You

As a preferred candidate, you will be a resilient person who thrives in complex, sensitive environments.  You will demonstrate strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills navigating challenging content with professionalism.  You will also have:

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability writing complex legal correspondence in a precise and accurate manner
• Proven 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
• High level of psychological resilience
• 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.

 

How to Apply

Your application must include:

• a cover letter outlining your interests and suitability for the role
• a current resume
• a copy of your academic transcript/s

For further information on the position, please see the attached position description. 

 

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 Court recognises the impact of these demands on our people, and has 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 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