Work Type: Various
Salary: $79,122 - $87,599
Grade: VPS 3
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/ASSOCEOICCV
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
The Common Law Division is headed by His Honour Judge Purcell and has a broad jurisdiction dealing with damages and compensation cases. This includes workplace, transport accident and medical negligence claims, and claims by a beneficiary under a will. The Court has an unlimited monetary jurisdiction for damages in cases within the Common Law Division.
All trials are heard by a single judge, or at a party's request, a judge and jury. Some other matters are heard by a Judicial Registrar.
Learn more: Common Law Division - County Court of Victoria
The Commercial Division is headed by Her Honour Judge Burchell and has an unlimited monetaryjurisdiction in commercial matters. Cases involve general commercial matters, complex cases, arbitration, building disputes and banking and finance disputes.
All matters are heard by a single judge, or in some instances, a Judicial Registrar or Deputy Registrar.
Learn more: Commercial Division - County Court of Victoria
About the Role
The position of Associate is a highly sought after role and provides high-level legal and administrative support to the Judge or Judicial Registrar so they can meet their obligations both within the Court and in chambers. The role requires articulate and resilient individuals, with high level written and analytical skills, who are passionate about the justice system.
As an Associate, you will have an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Court and develop an understanding of court processes and procedures. Associates liaise extensively with the legal profession and observe the work of advocates and the judiciary. The role will enable you to gain a thorough working knowledge of legal principles and legislation in a dynamic and sensitive environment. You will be part of a team charged with the responsibility of supporting a Judicial Officer in chambers and in court.
You will benefit from significant insight into judicial reasoning and decision-making, the different approaches to advocacy and submissions taken by advocates and their approach to the examination of witnesses. You w
ill be exposed to sophisticated and complex legal cases and will also have the opportunity to develop a strong professional network.
The role will include:
In the Criminal and Common Law Divisions an Associate may be required to manage juries, including arraignments and take verdicts, record and disseminate orders made by the Judicial Officer 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 to Associates, including:
About you
As a preferred candidate/s, you will have:
A law degree and/or experience in legal practice or an associated field will be considered highly desirable.
Note: Through the Expression of Interest process, the Court is looking to fill future vacancies that may arise between October 2025 and March 2026.
How to Apply
Your application must include:
To establish a solid foundation and launch your legal career in a progressive and collaborative court environment, APPLY NOW!
To learn more, please reach out to Susmita Ne upane, Talent Acquisition Advisor: [email protected]
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 have 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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live