Associate To A Judge In The Criminal Division

**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.

**SCV**

The Supreme Court of Victoria is the highest court in Victoria and comprises the Court of Appeal and the Trial Division. The Court deals with major criminal and civil matters, plus appeals against decisions of lower courts.

The Supreme Court of Victoria recognises that its people are integral to its ability to meet and exceed community expectations and to achieve its goal of being an outstanding superior court. We continually strive to create a high-performance workplace that is characterised by creativity, innovation, flexibility, and quality delivery.

**About the Role**

Judges of the Supreme Court of Victoria are supported by associates who assist in the management and coordination of the Judge's judicial, ceremonial, court management, administrative and legal research responsibilities.

An exciting opportunity to support a Judge in the Criminal Division of the Court is anticipated in the coming months. We are therefore seeking expressions of interest from legally qualified individuals to fill an associate vacancy in the Criminal Division, anticipated to commence between July to September 2025. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Criminal Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The duties of an associate are detailed in the attached position description, but specifically include:

- preparing research memoranda, case summaries and assisting in the production of judgments, including proofreading and editing
- clerking in court - opening, adjourning and closing the court, empanelling juries, acting as a jurykeeper, and using courtroom technology to ensure proceedings are transcribed and technological aids are readily available to counsel
- providing administrative assistance to the Judge during hearings and in chambers
- liaising with Court staff, the public and the profession
- accompanying the Judge to circuit courts in regional Victoria, as and when required.

**About You**

The role requires a high degree of sensitivity and professionalism as you will be working closely with Judges, court staff, legal practitioners, and members of the public.

To be successful in the role of associate you will possess the following:

- a law degree
- an excellent academic record
- highly developed legal research skills
- demonstrated ability in statutory interpretation
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills to confidently and accurately convey information in a court room, over the telephone, in writing and in person, to members of the legal profession, the public and the media
- exceptional organisational and problem-solving skills, and the ability to exercise sound judgment
- excellent computer literacy and administrative experience
- well-developed proofreading skills with proficiency in grammar
- up to 12 months' post-graduate legal criminal experience is highly desirable, although not mandatory.

**How to apply**
- a resume
- a succinct cover letter
- an academic transcript
- a sample of recent written legal work.

This should be submitted online, through the Victorian Government Careers website.

**Other information**

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. 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.

We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.