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.

Funds in Court [FIC] is a discrete, self-funded, administrative division of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

FIC assists the Senior Master, who is an Associate Judge of the Court, in administering and investing funds in Court for people who are under a legal disability. A person is under a legal disability if he or she is under 18 years old, or has an intellectual or physical disability, or both.

Funds may be awarded by the County Court, Magistrates' Court or the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT). People who have money administered by the Senior Master are referred to as “clients” of the Court.

About the Role

The Legal Officer is a member of the Legal Services Team and provides legal advice to the Senior Master and Judicial Officers in respect of the administration of funds in Court. The Legal Officer assists the Solicitor to the Senior Master and the Legal Services Manager in the discharge of their duties and reports to the Legal Services Manager.

Other key accountabilities of the Legal Officer include, but not limited to:

• Verifying compliance with orders of the Court, the Rules of Court and relevant legislation, and authorise payments into and out of Court.
• Making recommendations in difficult cases involving conflicting interests and parties within a high volume and challenging work environment, and provide advice as required.
• Using expertise to prepare Court orders, deeds, applications, correspondence and written advice, including the interpretation of relevant legislation and policies.

About You

• Knowledge and experience in:- General practice and procedures of the Supreme Court of Victoria - Knowledge of relevant legislation pertaining to family law, trusts, deceased estates and/or victims of crime, as well as that affecting persons under a disability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills – builds effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and confidently argues complex concepts, negotiating with tact and diplomacy on difficult issues
• Excellent problem solving skills – develops and evaluates solutions with consideration for likely impacts, developing contingency plans and ensuring stakeholders are actively engaged in the problem solving process.
• Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills and ability to support decision making and recommendations.
• A minimum of two years post admission experience will be highly regarded.

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.

A position description is attached.