Principal Lawyer, Civil

•  Senior leadership role within the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the Court
• STS 7 –  $182,813 – $204,749.+ 11.5% superannuation

About the Role

Are you looking to join a dynamic and progressive Court in a specialist legal role?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior legal practitioner to join the Supreme Court of Victoria in a newly created leadership role as Principal Lawyer of the Civil arm of the Supreme Court Registry. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Civil arm of the Registry, exercising delegated powers of the Prothonotary. This is a critical, senior level position that provides leadership to a large multi-disciplinary team and reports to the Executive Director, Supreme Court Operations.

Duties and responsibilities

As the most senior non-judicial expert in civil law matters in the Trial Division of the Court you will:

• Support judicial officers, in particular, the Principal Judge and Judicial Registrars of the Commercial Court, Common Law Division and Costs Court, in the direction, management and reform of the operations of these divisions of the Court
• Provide professional leadership, management and development of an integrated team of legal professionals and administrative officers with responsibility for management of civil proceedings and the administration of the functions of the Prothonotary. Manage high profile and/or complex matters across a broad spectrum of areas of civil law.
• Exercise functions conferred by legislation including making decisions in accordance with delegated powers of the Prothonotary under Court Rules
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to provide authoritative advice and leadership in the areas of civil law and practice reform and policy.
• Work collaboratively across the Court and other jurisdictions to develop and implement policies and protocols that achieve performance objectives and enhance access to justice.
• Work with the Executive Director, Supreme Court Operations and other operational managers of the Court to ensure a high level of service across the Court’s Registry.

About You

• Demonstrable experience working in a complex environment, and regularly dealing with ambiguity and a high level of risk.
• An established leader with a proven track record in expertly managing the provision of high-level specialist advice to a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Extensive and demonstrated experience in civil litigation.
  • Specialist knowledge of the practice and procedures of the Victorian Courts and Tribunals system will underpin your success in this role (highly desirable)
  • Tertiary qualification in law and admission to practice.