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 jurisdiction's 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. 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 Associates are required to attend circuit sittings.
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**About the role**

This position will primarily support Her Honour Vice President Judge Tran at the County Court of Victoria and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) _noting Judge Tran will sit principally as a Vice President of VCAT for the upcoming twelve months._

As a Vice President in residence, Her Honour will hear matters across all lists of VCAT, including human rights, review of administrative decisions, professional regulation and civil claims. Her Honour may also continue to hear some matters in the Court's Common Law Division, particularly claims involving self-represented litigants.

Her Honour is the co-chair of the Court's Diversity and Community Relations Committee. Judge Tran is also particularly interested in enhancing access to justice for self-represented litigants; and the benefits of Court-based mediation and other forms of ADR.

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/Tribunal 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 primarily working with Judge Tran, you will have an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop an understanding of court/tribunal processes and procedures. 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 small 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 and the different approaches to advocacy and submissions taken by advocates.

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 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 as directed by the Judicial Officer and preparation of required draft documents.

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.

**About you**
- A particular interest in the types of matters heard by Judge Tran
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability writing legal correspondence in a precise and accurate manner
- The 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
- 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 or a n