Associate to the Hon. Justice Rowena Orr, President of the Victorian Court of Appeal

About her Honour

The Honourable Justice Rowena Orr became the fourth President of the Court of Appeal on 29 September 2026, having served as a Court of Appeal judge from April 2024. Prior to her appointment to the Court of Appeal, her Honour served as the Solicitor-General for Victoria. Justice Orr practised as a barrister for more than two decades and as Senior Counsel for approximately ten years. As President of the Court of Appeal, her Honour presides over criminal and civil appeals and has the responsibility for ensuring the efficient conduct of the work of the Court of Appeal.

About the Role

President Orr is seeking a legally qualified individual to be one of her associates with an anticipated commencement date in early February 2027. The President's two associates assist in the discharge of her Honour's judicial and administrative responsibilities and the successful applicant will gain valuable experience in civil and criminal matters in the Court of Appeal.

Duties of the President's associates include:

• assisting in the management and coordination of the President's judicial and administrative responsibilities;
• preparing research memoranda and case summaries, and assisting in the production of judgments, including proofreading and editing;
• clerking in court, and using courtroom technology to ensure proceedings are transcribed and technological aids are readily available to counsel;
• assisting in the management of the President's chambers;
• assisting the President to prepare for and accompanying her Honour to external events, including speeches, panel discussions, seminars and meetings; and
• accompanying the President to circuit courts in regional Victoria once or twice a year.

About you

The successful applicant will preferably be admitted to legal practice, and professional employment experience is desirable.

Excellent research and writing skills and strong academic credentials are essential. One or more of: experience on the editorial committee of a university law journal; mooting experience; research work for an academic or a practitioner; and/or a higher degree in law, are desirable.

To be successful in the role, you will possess the following:

• demonstrated ability in legal research and writing;
• demonstrated ability in statutory interpretation;
• strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• a high degre e of sensitivity and professionalism;
• excellent computer literacy;
• well-developed proofreading skills; and
• an excellent academic record.

The role requires a high degree of sensitivity and professionalism as you will be representing her Honour's chambers, working closely with other Judges, court staff, legal practitioners, and members of the public.

How to apply

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the attached position description and submit an application which includes:

• a one page cover letter explaining why you think you would be suitable for the role;
• a resume;
• one recent example of a publication or other written academic work solely authored by you; and
• a copy of your academic transcript.

This should be submitted online, through the Victorian Government Careers website. Applicants are not required to separately address the key selection criteria. Applications should explain why the applicant wishes to obtain the role and how it fits with their present career plans. The closing date for applications is midnight, Sunday 25 October 2026. Applications will be considered as they are received and you may be contacted prior to the application close date.

Short listed applicants will be asked to prepare a short research memorandum on a topic selected by the judge in the week prior to their interview. They will be expected to discuss that memorandum with the judge in the interview.

Please note: due to the nature of the work of the Court, this role may at times involve exposure to confronting and/or distressing material.

For any enquiries regarding this expression of interest, please contact Rebekah Goulevitch (Court of Appeal and Criminal Division Judicial Services Coordinator) at rebekah.goulevitch@supcourt.vic.gov.au or on (03) 8600 2122.