Acknowledgment 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.
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 (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.
The Court's vision is to be a leader in court excellence, delivering the highest standard of justice to the community and inspiring public confidence in the rule of law.
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
We are seeking to appoint an Associate to support his Honour Judge Pillay at the County Court of Victoria.
His Honour Judge Pillay hears matters in both the Criminal and Common Law Divisions. His Honour maintains a strong program of outreach with the profession and community. His Honour sits on the Judicial Council on Diversity and Inclusion and also the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration (AIJA) Research Committee. The role requires a person willing and able to make relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
As Judge Pillay's associate, you will provide high-level legal and administrative support to his Honour both within the Court and in chambers. You will work closely with his Honour and another associate. 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 his Honour 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.
- ; Undertaking legal research directed by his Honour 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 his Honour'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 chambers.
- ; Undertaking accurate, timely data entry and maintaining all relevant information in the case management systems in accordance with record keeping guidelines.
- ; Accompanying his Honour to circuit courts in regional Victoria in Criminal and Common Law Divisions. Judge Pillay and staff usually attend two such circuits of several weeks duration each year.
- ; Assisting other judicial officers in Melbourne and on circuit, in court and in chambers, as required.
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.
Benefits
There are several key benefits to the Associate role, including:
- ; An opportunity to work closely with judicial officers and to gain insight into judicial reasoning and decision making
- ; Opportunity to develop a strong professional network
- ; 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
- ; Opportunity to complete the practical component of Practical Legal Training (PLT)
- ; Optional engagement with the CSV Koori Staff Network for First Peoples applicants
About you
Ideally you will have demonstrated legal ability, a strong interest in the work of both the Common Law and Criminal Divisions of the Court, a high level of attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and the ability to balance competing demands on your time and work well under pressure. Adaptability is essential as you will be required to work in a fast-paced Chambers that takes on a range of matters. You must be able to put forward your views and provide feedback to his Honour in a frank and honest way using reasoned, well-substantiated arguments. You should have a commitment to ethical practice and the administration of justice. The ideal candidate will enjoy challenging discussions about the law, ideas and good fiction.
As the preferred candidate, you will have:
- ; Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills to engage confidently, professionally and respectfully with members of the judiciary, legal profession, court staff and the public.
- ; Demonstrated ability writing legal correspondence in a precise and accurate manner.
- ; Strong legal research and writing skills including excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills.
- ; The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a small team.
- ; Demonstrated strong computer literacy skills, including proficiency to work on several online programs and case management systems and video conferencing technology such as Zoom and Webex.
- ; Strong organisational awareness.
- ; Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to effectively manage competing priorities and work within demanding timeframes.
- ; The ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment and professionalism within a sensitive and confidential environment.
- ; A valid Australian State or Territory driver licence.
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.
Experience in legal practice will be viewed favourably. Recent law graduates, legal practitioners and candidates interested in pursuing a career future at The Victorian Bar, are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Your application must include:
- ; a cover letter outlining your interests and suitability for the role
- ; a copy of your academic transcript/s, and
- ; completion of the questionnaire.
Applications will be considered as they are received, and you may be contacted prior to the application close date.
For further information on the position, please see the attached position description.
For any enquiries about this position please contact Sue Pearce, Judicial Staff Coordinator at [email protected]
Interested candidates are also encouraged to visit the County Court of Victoria website www.countycourt.vic.gov.au to find out more about the County Court's jurisdiction.
Applications close: Wednesday 8 July 2026 at 11:59 pm
Late applications will not be accepted, and all applications must be lodged online via the Careers Victoria website, outlining professional skills, knowledge and personal qualities.
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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 and misconduct screening. 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.
