Associate to a Judge of The County 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 jurisdictions own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

**CCV**

The County Court of 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. The Court hears over 12,000 criminal, common law, and commercial cases each year. The County Court has unlimited monetary jurisdiction in common law and commercial matters. In its criminal jurisdiction, the Court hears all indictable offences except treason, murder, and related offences.

There are a total of 80 Judges of the Court and over 300 staff, including judicial support staff. The County Court regularly conducts circuit sittings at 12 circuit courts situated in major centres throughout regional Victoria.

The County Court is committed to continuous improvement in accordance with the International Framework for Court Excellence. The Court's vision is to be a leader in court excellence, delivering the highest standard of justice to the community and inspiring public confidence in the rule of law.

Cases are heard across three divisions: Criminal, Commercial and Common Law.

**About the Role**

This position will primarily work in the** Common Law Division**supporting the Judge in Charge of the Family Property List; **His Honour Judge Fraatz**.

The Common Law Division 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.

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 principals 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 will be exposed to sophisticated and complex legal cases and will also have the opportunity to develop a strong professional network.

The role will include:

- Preparation of correspondence and other communication required in the management of judicial chambers
- Liaising with internal and external stakeholders including judicial officers, barristers, solicitors, other court staff, court users, registry officers and the public
- Assisting the judge with the coordination and case management of matters, including court sittings and liaising with parties
- Providing operational, administrative and technical support to judicial officers both in chambers and in court
- Drafting, editing and proof-reading orders, judgments, rulings and sentences including formatting, citations, anonymisation, and publication as well as summarising facts, and evidence
- Managing the Judicial Officer's schedule of engagements and commitments
- Undertaking accurate, timely data entry and maintaining all relevant information in the case management systems in accordance with record keeping guidelines
- Undertaking legal research as directed by the Judicial Officer and preparation of required draft documents.

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