Associate to a Judicial Officer of the County Court of Victoria (Criminal, Common, Commercial)

Opportunity to work with a Judicial Officer in Victoria's principal trial courtOpportunity to complete the practical component of your Practical Legal TrainingVarious ongoing positions commencing between August 2026 and December 2026
Acknowledgement of Country
Court Services Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waterways upon which our lives depend. We pay respect to their Elders, knowledge holders and leaders - past and present.
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.
Hear from her Honour Chief Judge Amanda Chambers about the exciting opportunity to be an Associate to a Judicial Officer of the County Court of Victoria.
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 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.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Court and exposure to complex legal matters, judicial reasoning, and advocacy styles. You will gain a thorough working knowledge of legal principles and legislation in a complex, demanding and sensitive environment.Duties include:
Providing operational, administrative and technical support to judicial officers both in chambers and in court.Accompanying the Judge to circuit courts in regional Victoria in Criminal and Common Law Divisions, as and when required.Drafting, editing and proof-reading orders, judgements, rulings and sentences including formatting, citations, anonymisation, and publication as well as summarising facts, and evidence.Undertaking legal research directed by the Judicial Officer and preparation of required draft documents.Liaising with a wide range of stakeholders, including judicial officers, barristers, solicitors, court staff, court users and the public.Managing the Judicial Officer's schedule of engagements and commitments as well as assisting with the coordination and case management of matters, including court sittings.Preparation of correspondence and other communication required in the management of judicial chambersUndertaking accurate, timely data entry and maintaining all relevant information in the case management systems in accordance with record keeping guidelines.
In the Criminal and Common Law Divisions an Associate may be required to manage juries, including arraignments and take verdicts, record and disseminate orders 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 makingOpportunity to develop a strong professional networkLearning and development opportunitiesExcellent foundation for a career in the legal profession including progressing to practice, policy work or a career at the Victorian BarOpportunity to complete the practical component for your Practical Legal Training (PLT)Optional engagement with the CSV Koori Staff Network for First Peoples applicants
About you
As a preferred candidate/s, you will have:
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skillsDemonstrated ability writing legal correspondence in a precise and accurate mannerThe ability to work both autonomously and as part of a small teamDemonstrated strong computer literacy skills with the ability to work on several online programs and case management systemsHighly proficient skills in the use of technology, particularly for video conferencing platformsStrong organisational awarenessDemonstrated experience planning and prioritising workloadsThe ability to maintain flexibility with changing priorities in a sensitive and confidential environmentA valid Australian State or Territory driver licence
A law degree and/or experience in legal practice or an associated field will be considered highly desirable.
Note: Applications will be considered as they are received, and you may be contacted prior to the application close date. We encourage early applications.
A talent pool will be maintained to fill vacancies that arise between August 2026 to December 2026.
How to Apply
Your application must include:
a cover letter outlining your interests and suitability for the rolea short statement outlining divisional preference/s and your reasons for your preference/sa current resumea copy of your academic transcript
For further information on the position, please see the attached position description.
If you want to establish a solid foundation and launch your legal career in a progressive and collaborative court environment, APPLY NOW!
To learn more, please reach out to Susie Neupane, Talent Acquisition Advisor: susmita.neupane@courts.vic.gov.au Wellbeing in the Court Environment
Working at the County Court can be both rewarding and meaningful. At times, however, your work may involve exposure to sensitive, confronting or potentially distressing material. The County Court recognises the impact of these demands on our people, and have a range of services, programs, and strategies in place to help mitigate the psychological impact of exposures.We are committed to fostering a thriving and supported workforce, and we partner with our employees to make this happen. The County Court expects that employees play an active role in managing their psychological health, including reaching out for assistance to our support services when needed.
Other information
Court Services Victoria (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. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for these opportunities. For cultural support or all enquiries relating to support available for First Nations applicants, please contact the CSV Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit: dmdu@courts.vic.gov.au
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.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team: careers@courts.vic.gov.au
As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, we conduct pre-employment checks, including but not limited to, reference checks, police checks, misconduct screening, and a pre-employment health declaration. These checks are handled confidentially and with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both our candidates and the organisation.