Victoria Legal Aid

Applications now open for Trial Counsel Development Program

We are currently looking to recruit a number of junior counsel to participate in the 2022-23 intake of the Trial Counsel Development Program, which pairs junior counsel with senior trial advocates.

Wednesday 22 December 2021 3:58am

Now in its 11th year, our Trial Counsel Development Program is designed to deliver unique training opportunities to selected junior counsel at the Victorian Bar by partnering them with senior trial advocates.

The program requires juniors to actively participate in the preparation and conduct of trials with a more experienced trial advocate, and the junior is expected to help prepare submissions, make pre-trial arguments (if relevant) and cross examine witnesses.

The program aims to give junior trial advocates the opportunity to undertake trial work in a supported and collaborative environment and develop a skilled and steady pool of quality advocates at the Junior Bar.

We are currently looking to recruit a number of Junior Counsel to participate in the 2022-23 intake of the program. Each Junior Counsel can expect a number of trials with the support of an experienced trial advocate.

How to apply

Read how to applyExternal Link if you are interested in applying for the 2022 intake.

Applicants who have previously applied to the program are welcome to apply again, but will need to submit a fresh application.

Applications close 5 pm, Monday 31 January 2022.

More information

If you have questions about the program, phone Associate Director, Victoria Legal Aid Chambers, Jarrod Van Arkadie on (03) 9269 0449, Briefing Manager, Victoria Legal Aid Chambers, Damien Farnfield on (03) 9269 0468 or email TCDP@vla.vic.gov.au.

Learn more about the Trial Counsel Development Program.

Reviewed 31 March 2022