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.
The Coroners Court of Victoria (CCOV) is responsible for:
- Independently investigating deaths and fires.
- Reducing preventable deaths.
- Promoting public health and safety and the administration of justice.
Why join CCOV
Working at CCOV offers:
- the opportunity to perform work of real significance to the Victorian community
- a meaningful role in a unique judicial environment
- flexible and innovative work practices that support balance between work and family life
- a workplace committed to diversity, inclusion, safety and respect
- attractive salary and access to training and development opportunities
About the Role
Help shape coronial practice and contribute to safer communities across Victoria.
The Coroners Court of Victoria's Legal Services team plays a critical role in supporting coronial investigations, inquests, appeals and legal reform initiatives that help reduce preventable deaths. Working closely with Coroners, court staff and external stakeholders, the team delivers expert legal advice and advocacy in complex and sensitive matters.
Reporting to the Director, Legal Services, the Senior Legal Counsel provides authoritative legal advice to the State Coroner, Coroners and Court staff on significant legal, policy and operational issues arising from coronial investigations. This role leads complex casework, prepares high-level legal advice and submissions, appears as counsel assisting at inquests, and supports Supreme Court appeal proceedings.
You will:
- Provide expert legal advice on complex coronial investigations, inquests, appeals and policy matters.
- Lead and manage significant casework, including complex investigations and high-profile inquests.
- Prepare high-quality legal opinions, submissions and strategic advice.
- Contribute to law reform, policy development and service improvement initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with Coroners, legal practitioners, government agencies and key stakeholders.
- Mentor and support colleagues, fostering legal excellence and continuous learning across the team.
About You
You are a highly capable litigation lawyer with exceptional analytical, advocacy and stakeholder management skills. You thrive in complex environments, exercise sound judgement, and are motivated by meaningful public service work.
You will bring:
- Significant experience managing complex litigation, investigations or inquiries.
- Outstanding legal research, analysis and written advisory skills.
- The ability to influence, engage and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong leadership capability, including mentoring and developing others.
- Resilience, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire, expertise in the Coroners Act 2008 (Vic) and coronial practice.
- Admitted to practise as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Victoria (or equivalent Australian jurisdiction).
- Current unrestricted practising certificate.
- Substantial post-admission experience.
How to apply
Click the `Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:
- Resume
- A short cover letter - (not exceeding two pages) demonstrating attributes and experience relevant to the role (see the Key Selection criteria in the Position Description).
- A short response to the following wellbeing question (in addition to the two pages above and must not exceed 1 page):
CCOV is an environment that can expose staff to images, case history, testimony and behaviour that can cause stress and/or distress at times.
Question: What strategies would you employ to help deal with these potential stressors?
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.
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 email the contact person listed in the advertisement.
The coronial jurisdiction is a sensitive and demanding environment. Employees may be exposed to challenging material and interactions with families and loved ones experiencing distress. CCOV is committed to psychological safety and provides programs, services and support to help employees manage these demands.
As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, CSV conduct pre-employment checks, including reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially, with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both candidates and Court Services Victoria.
