Expression of Interest

**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 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, court staff, court users and the public.
- Assisting the judicial officer 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 directed by the Judicial Officer and preparation of required draft documents.

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.