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 Criminal Law Division has recently been headed by Her Honour Judge Chambers 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.

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.

**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, 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 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:

- An opportunity to work closely with judicial officers and to gain insight into judicial reasoning and decision-making
- Learning and Development opportunities
- Excellent foundation for a career in the legal profession including progressing to practice, policy work or a career at the Victorian Bar
- Access to health and wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport and Peer Support Programs
- Opportunity to complete the practical component for your Practical Legal Training (PLT)
- Travel to regional locations in Crime and Common Law Divisions

**About you**
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
- 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
- Highly proficient skills in the use of technology, particularly for