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 jurisdiction's own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

The Coroners Court of Victoria (CCOV) is responsible for:

• Independently investigating deaths and fires.
• Reducing preventable deaths.
• Promoting public health and safety and the administration of justice.
   

Why join CCOV

Working at CCOV offers:

• the opportunity to lead a team performing work of real significance to the Victorian community
• a meaningful executive role in a unique judicial environment
• flexible and innovative work practices that support balance between work and family life
• a workplace committed to diversity, inclusion, safety and respect
• attractive salary and access to training and development opportunities
   

About the Role

The Coroners Court of Victoria is seeking an accomplished and strategic legal executive to lead its Legal Services division.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior legal leader to shape a specialist legal practice operating at the intersection of law, judicial process and public administration. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide authoritative leadership across complex legal, litigation, advisory and strategic matters that directly support the Court's statutory functions and broader prevention mandate.

At CCOV, our work contributes to independently investigating deaths and fires, reducing preventable deaths, and promoting public health and safety and the administration of justice. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the Victorian community while leading high-quality legal services in a unique and highly respected judicial environment.

As Director, Legal Services, you will lead and manage the Legal Services division in delivering timely, practical and high-quality legal, advocacy and advisory services to the Court and its Coroners.

You will:

• provide strategic vision and leadership for a high-volume specialist legal practice within a coronial setting
• act as the Court's senior legal adviser on significant legal, policy, litigation and risk matters
• lead legal strategy, legal risk, governance and oversight across investigations, inquests, appeals and other matters of legal significance
• foster trusted, respectful and effective relationships with Coroners, while respecting judicial independence
• build influential relationships with senior stakeholders across government, justice agencies, the legal profession and other key partners
• drive service improvement, innovation, productivity and organisational responsiveness
• contribute to whole-of-organisation strategy, reform and capability as a member of the Executive Leadership Team
• ensure sound stewardship of divisional resources, including workforce, operational and financial planning
   

How to apply

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

• resume
• a short cover letter
   

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.

The coronial jurisdiction is a sensitive and demanding environment. Employees may be exposed to challenging material and interactions with families and loved ones experiencing distress. CCOV is committed to psychological safety and provides programs, services and support to help employees manage these demands.

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. 

Requirements

About You

You are an experienced and credible senior legal executive with the judgement, presence and strategic capability to operate effectively in a complex, high-profile and sensitive environment.  To be considered, you must have:

• admission to practise as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Victoria, or a similar Australian jurisdiction
• demonstrated extensive post-admission experience relevant to the role
• a current unrestricted practising certificate
• knowledge of the Coroners Act 2008 (Vic), or the ability to rapidly acquire deep operational knowledge of the legislation, will be highly regarded.

 
You will also bring:

• significant experience in a senior leadership role within a complex government or private sector environment, ideally with state-wide or national responsibility
• extensive experience leading a legal services delivery function
• substantial litigation experience, preferably including Supreme Court proceedings and appellate matters
• broad legal expertise, with the ability to provide authoritative advice across a wide range of legal issues
• demonstrated experience in legal case management, legal research, analysis, advocacy and the conduct of hearings
• the ability to lead organisational change, continuous improvement and contemporary legal service delivery
• highly developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including with senior executives, the judiciary, government agencies and the legal profession
• strong commercial, governance and resource management capability
• resilience, sound judgement and a collaborative leadership style