Public Interest Law Careers Guide - Coroners' Court
Field of Law
Stage of Career
Contact Details
Address: 65 Kavanaugh Street South Bank 3006
Phone: 1300 309 519
Visit the Coroners Court website
Contact person: Laima Pandars
Email: Laima.pandars@coronerscourt.vic.gov.au
Description of Court/Tribunal
The Coroners Court of Victoria is a specialist court established to investigate certain types of deaths and fires. The purpose of these investigations is to consider ways that similar deaths and fires may be prevented in the future.
Under the Coroners Act 2008, when a death is reported, the coroner investigating a death must find, if possible:
- the identity of the deceased
- how the death occurred
- the cause of death
- the details needed to register the death with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Under the Coroners Act 2008, a coroner investigating a fire must find, if possible:
- the cause of the fire
- the origin of the fire
In some cases the Coroner may comment and make recommendations about public health or safety or the administration of justice aimed at helping to prevent similar deaths and fires from happening.
Staff at the Coroners Court of Victoria understand the impact coronial investigations may have on family and friends. Their priority is to investigate the person's death sensitively and professionally, ever mindful of the dignity and privacy of the person who has died.
The Coroners Court of Victoria Family and Community Support Service offers assistance to relatives and anyone else affected by an investigation into a death or fire.
Information for university students/graduates/lawyers
The Coroners Court occasionally takes on students who need to do a placement as part of their Practical Legal Training.
What sorts of positions are available at the Court? (eg Tipstaff, Registrar, Associate)
- Coroners Registrars
- Court Administration Officers
- Coroners Legal Officers/Solicitors
- Medical Staff
- Operational Staff (Finance HR)
What qualifications are required for the different positions?
Coroners Registrars - Diploma/Bachelor of Criminal Justice etc. an advantage, also Cert IV in Court Services and advantage but neither are essential. Previous court experience an advantage
Court Administration Officers - court experience and advantage
Coroners Legal Officers/Solicitors – Admission to practice as a Legal Practitioner in Victoria is not necessarily required for this position – see specific role descriptions.
Medical/Counselling Staff - medical/counselling qualifications and background
Researchers - research experience required
Operational Staff (eg: Finance, HR) - relevant experience
Where do you advertise your positions?
- Careers page on the Victorian Government website
- Department of Justice website
- Occasionally Seek or specialist publications/websites
Do you use a recruitment agency?
No
Contact person for Indigenous applicants: Laima Pandars
General advice for applicants:
Follow the Careers page on the Victorian Government website and the Department of Justice website for opportunities
Additional comments
Visit the Coroners Court website to find out what the Court is all about and also visit the Department of Justice website
