• Join the Supreme Court of Victoria, the highest court in Victoria that comprises of the Court of Appeal and the Trial Division. The Court deals with major criminal and civil matters, plus appeals against decisions of lower courts
  • Support Honourable Justice Connock in the management and co-ordination of their judicial, ceremonial, court management, administrative and legal research responsibilities
  • Full-time ongoing position, VPS3.1, Melbourne CBD location

About Us

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 characterized by creativity, innovation, flexibility, and quality delivery.

About the Role

The Honourable Justice Connock is seeking two legally qualified persons to be his Associates. The first position will likely commence in early May 2025 and the second position will likely commence in mid-June 2025.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work very closely with Justice Connock, gain diverse experience across the Commercial Court and to observe the work of other judges and advocates.

Justice Connock manages both general commercial and corporations matters within the Commercial Court of the Supreme Court of Victoria including contract, equity, statutory claims, interlocutory applications, and class actions.

As the judge in charge of the Corporations List, his Honour manages and hears proceedings involving, for example, liquidations, administrations, receiverships, trusts, oppression allegations and derivative leave applications. His Honour is also the judge in charge of the Admiralty List.

Duties include:

• Undertaking substantive legal research
• Assisting with analysis and the production of reasons for judgment, papers and presentations, including proof-reading and editing
• Drafting Court orders
• Performing administrative tasks, including managing the demands of the judge-managed lists
• Acting as chambers first point of contact, liaising with Court staff, the public, the media, and the profession
• Undertaking the duties of an Associate in Court - electronically and in person. These include: communicating with practitioners; opening and closing the court; swearing in and affirming witnesses and interpreters; recording and maintaining a repository of documents and exhibits; and transcript related tasks
• Assisting Justice Connock with his various non-judicial roles at the Court, which includes a role on the Finance Committee for Court Services Victoria.

For further details, please review the attached position description.

About You

You should have an excellent academic record, first class research skills, a strong work ethic and a genuine interest in commercial and corporations law. You should also be well organised, be able to communicate and write clearly and concisely, and have strong attention to detail.

The Commercial Court has judge-managed lists so you will require an ability to manage work in chambers whilst juggling a variety of administrative demands. You should possess commendable time management and organisational skills.

At least one year's post admission experience at a law firm (or similar) is desirable. Candidates should also possess strong technology based research abilities, and proficiency with commonly used productivity platforms.

How to apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply online, outlining professional skills, knowledge, and personal qualities. Applications must include:

• cover letter;
• resume;
• small summary about yourself (e.g., personal interests and hobbies); and
• copy of academic transcript.

Applicants are not required to separately address the key selection criteria.

Please be aware that applications may be viewed and considered for vacancies before the closing date.

For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Sarah Newland, Judicial Services Coordinator Commercial Court, on 0436 373 052 or at sarah.newland@supcourt.vic.gov.au.

Other information

Court Services Victoria (CSV) is the employer of staff at all Victorian courts and tribunals, the Judicial College of Victoria, and the Judicial Commission of Victoria. CSV offers a wide range of legal and non-legal career options as well as attractive employee benefits.

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 get in touch by calling (03) 9032 0500 to speak to a People Services Advisor.