Associate To The Honourable Justice Gorton, Common Law Division

Court Services Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Court Services Victoria invites applications for an Associate to the Honourable Justice Gorton in the Common Law Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria. The appointee will assist in case preparation, manage court materials, and support the judge in research and drafting tasks.

Position begins December 2026 and offers exposure to high‑level common law matters. The successful candidate will have a law degree and 1–2 years post admission experience, strong proofreading and writing skills, and

Qualifications

• Qualified in Law with 1–2 years post admission experience desirable.
• Strong proofreading and writing skills are essential.
• Excellent interpersonal and professional communication with legal peers and the public.

Responsibilities

• Assist in production of judgments, including proofreading and editing.
• Clerk in court and review files and orders.
• Perform administrative tasks including maintaining court records.
• Prepare research memoranda for the judge.
• Liaise with court staff, the public, media and legal profession.
• Travel on circuit as required.

Skills

Legal proofreading

Legal research

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor of Law (LLB) or equivalent

Job description

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 jurisdictions own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly. SCV 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

Associate to the Honourable Justice Gorton, Common Law Division Supreme Court of Victoria The Honourable Justice Gorton is seeking a legally qualified individual to serve as Associate, commencing in December 2026. Justice Gorton was appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria in December 2020 and is currently sitting in the Court of Appeal. His Honour began his career as a barrister specialising in commercial law before transitioning into a common law trial and appellate practice. He has briefly sat in the Criminal Division and but will return to a predominantly Common Law focus in 2027. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the administration of justice within the State's highest trial court. The successful candidate will work closely with Justice Gorton, assisting in the preparation and management of cases, conducting legal research, and supporting the efficient operation of the Court.

Duties include:

• Assisting with the production of judgments, including proofreading and editing
• Clerking in court
• Reviewing files and orders
• Performing administrative tasks, including maintaining court records and preparing material for use by the judge in court
• Preparing research memoranda
• Travelling on circuit when required
• Liaising with court staff, the public, the media and the profession

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.

About You

You will possess excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to confidently and accurately convey information over the telephone, in person, and via written communication to members of the legal profession, the public and the media are essential to this role. Exceptional proofreading and writing skills, proficiency in grammar and an excellent academic record is essential. Must be qualified in Law with 1-2 years post admission experience highly desirable.

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. 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.

The closing date for applications is midnight Sunday 8 November 2026.