Lawyer, Magistrates' Court Of Victoria

About us

The Magistrates' Court of Victoria (MCV) is a jurisdiction within the Court Services Victoria statutory authority, and has a long history of providing justice for the people of Victoria in metropolitan and regional courts across the state.

The Court determines in excess of 300,000 cases per annum at 51 venues, equating to approximately 90 per cent of all cases that come before Victorian courts each year. The Court aims to be an innovative, accessible and responsive court that provides quality services to the Victorian community.

About the role

This role operates within the Legal Policy Unit (LPU), which forms part of the Strategy and Corporate Services division. The LPU undertakes research, provides high quality legal and strategic advice, and governs MCV's position on legal policy matters.

Among the LPU's core functions is the provision of legal advice and support to all business units of MCV; supporting judicial officers with legal research; coordination of legal policy responses to government initiatives; overseeing the implementation of new jurisdictions and legislative programs for MCV; and leading and coordinating MCV's legally qualified employees.

This position reports to one of two principal lawyers within the Legal Policy Unit and is part of a dynamic and innovative legal team which includes specialist legal practitioners supporting the criminal, civil and specialist jurisdictions of the Court and its corporate and operational business units.

The Lawyer contributes to the operation and continuous improvement of the Magistrates' Court by supporting magistrates, judicial registrars and administrative business units with a range of legal work including advice and legal research, law reform and legislative policy analysis, and supporting ad hoc and special projects. The role also provides legal expertise in relation to privacy, data protection, freedom of information, and Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

Key accounabilities:

• Undertake research and legal analysis 
• Provide advice on a range of legal issues to magistrates, judicial registrars and executives of the Magistrates' Court 
• Draft legal documents including memoranda, briefs, background papers and case summaries 
• Participate and represent MCV on external stakeholder forums and committees, including law reform and legislation committees 
• Provide assistance and support to Senior Lawyers on a variety of tasks and projects
• Support judgment publication 
• Contribute to training and professional development initiatives within the Legal Policy Unit 
• Manage appeals and judicial reviews involving the Magistrates' Court of Victoria or judicial officers 
• Assist the Principal Lawyer with litigation matters 
• Other duties as directed and commensurate with the classification of the role.

About you

• Highly developed legal research and analytical skills 
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Proficiency in the delivery of well-reasoned and insightful legal analysis and opinions on complex and technical legal matters 
• Post-admission experience in Magistrates' Court jurisdictions is desirable 
• Knowledge of procedure, practices and processes of the Magistrates' Court will be considered an advantage.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:

• resume 
• a cover letter - please address the key selection criteria