Associate to a Judge in the Criminal Division of the Supreme 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 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 Court is seeking expressions of interest from legally qualified individuals to fill associate vacancies across the Criminal Division commencing in February 2026. The successful applicants will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Criminal Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Duties include:

• preparing research and briefing memoranda, assisting in the production of judgments, papers and presentations, including proofreading and editing;
• performing administrative tasks, including maintaining Court records and providing assistance to the Judge during hearings and in chambers;
• liaising with Court staff, the public and the profession;
• clerking in court – opening, adjourning and closing the court, arraigning the accused, empanelling juries, acting as a jury keeper, and using courtroom technology to ensure proceedings are transcribed and technological aids are readily available to counsel; and
• accompanying the Judge to circuit courts in regional Victoria, as and when required.

For further details, please review the attached position description.

About You

To be successful in the role of associate you will possess the following:

• a law degree;
• an excellent academic record;
• highly developed legal research skills;
• demonstrated ability in statutory interpretation;
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills to confidently and accurately convey information over the telephone, in writing and in person to members of the legal profession, the public and the media;
• exceptional organisational and problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment;
• excellent computer literacy and administrative experience;
• well-developed proofreading skills with proficiency in grammar; and
• at least one year's post‑graduate experience in practice is required, with a preference in criminal law.

One or more of: experience on the editorial committee of a university law journal; research work for an academic; and/or a higher degree in law, are preferred.

How to apply

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the attached position description and comprise an application which includes a:

• brief cover letter;
• resume;
• copy of certified academic transcript; and
• sample of written academic work solely authored by you.

This should be submitted online, through the Victorian Government Careers website.

Applicants are not required to separately address the key selection criteria. The closing date for applications is midnight, Sunday 18 January 2026. Applications will be considered as they are received and you may be contacted prior to the application close date.

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, CSV conduct pre-employment checks, including reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially, with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both candidates and Court Services Victoria.