Judicial officers are appointed by Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. The process of making appointments is managed for the Attorney-General by the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

Court appointments

The Attorney-General seeks expressions of interest from qualified persons for appointment to the Supreme, County and Magistrates' Courts of Victoria, and as a Coroner, in a number of capacities.

  • Supreme Court: justices, associate judges and judicial registrars
  • County Court: judges
  • Magistrates' Court: magistrates, part-time magistrates and judicial registrars

Terms and conditions of appointment can be found in the Word document below. If you require them in another format please email us.        

Potential candidates are referred to the Framework of Judicial Abilities and Qualities for Victorian Judicial Officers (External link), developed by the Judicial College of Victoria, which outlines the attributes the government, courts and community expect from judicial appointees.

Appointments to the Supreme and County Courts of Victoria

Expressions of interest are sought from those with substantial legal experience and knowledge of the jurisdictions of the Supreme and County Courts.

Required qualifications and conditions of employment are contained in sections 75B, 77, 80D and 82 of the Constitution Act 1975, section 104 of the Supreme Court Act 1975, Section 24 of the Courts Legislation Miscellaneous Amendments Act 2010 and division 3 of the County Court Act 1958.

Appointments to the Magistrates' and Coroners Courts of Victoria

Expressions of interest are sought from those with substantial legal experience and knowledge of the jurisdictions of the Magistrates' and Coroners Courts. Experience in dispute resolution is advantageous.

Required qualifications and conditions of employment are contained in sections 7, 9, 10 and sections 16B, 16C, 16D of the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 and section 94 of the Coroners Act 2008.

VCAT appointments

Full-time and sessional Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) members are appointed for a period of  7 years by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General seeks expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons from diverse backgrounds interested in appointment as full-time or sessional members of VCAT.

Expressions of interest are sought from those demonstrating a high level of integrity, sound judgment, legal or professional skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to conduct hearings and a capacity to make fair decisions quickly. Excellent communication skills are essential and skills in mediation are also valuable.

Expressions of interest are sought from participants across the private, government and community sectors who are either legal practitioners or have special knowledge or experience in relation to functions that are exercised by VCAT.

Applicants eligible to apply for appointment as a Deputy President must have been admitted to legal practice in Victoria for not less than five years. Persons who have been admitted to legal practice in Victoria for more than five years or who have specialist experience in the lists at VCAT are eligible to apply for Senior Member appointments.

VCAT members possess personal qualities such as integrity, fairness, maturity, sound temperament and commitment to public service. Appointees also need to be aware of, and sensitive to, the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences of VCAT users, and the need to communicate effectively and courteously with all users. A commitment to the use of technology and participation in ongoing professional education will also be viewed favourably.

For information about the tribunal please visit VCAT (External link).

Submitting an expression of interest

We are currently not accepting expressions of interest at this stage.

You can create a profile on Public boards in Victoria (External link) and apply to available board vacancies.