Craig Stephenson
Newcastle,NSW
Summary
Client-focused professional with strong interpersonal communication skills and a solid understanding of legal procedures. Experience in court services and youth justice with the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice equips for high-performance as a Registry Officer within the High Court of Australia. Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while ensuring accuracy and accountability for optimal stakeholder outcomes.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Client Services Officer
NSW Department of Communities and Justice
06.2025 - Current
- The role of a Client Services Officer is to provide a range of clerical and administrative services in a court registry including, responding to client enquiries, data entry and records management.
- Assisted in the operation of courtrooms during court proceedings, interacting with Judiciary members and monitoring electronic court cases.
- Delivered high-quality client services to diverse stakeholders, enhancing overall support experience.
- Anticipated judiciary and key stakeholder requirements in courtroom.
- Key skills ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- High level of clerical and administrative skills.
- Understand and use computers and communication technologies.
- Ability to adapt to work in different jurisdictions.
- Comply with department policies and practices.
- Provided administrative support in court services, facilitating smooth legal proceedings.
Youth Officer (Court Logistics & Court Placement)
NSW Department of Communities and Justice
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Supervised and provided direct care and custody of young people during court appearances, ensuring their secure transport between courts and youth justice centres.
- Transported young persons to court appearances, ensuring their safety during travel.
- Provide care and assistance at a time of vulnerability for young people in a custodial and court environment.
- Explained court proceedings and outcomes, aiding young people in understanding legal processes.
- Systematic observation of young people in custody.
- Documented behavior and court outcomes, contributing to comprehensive reports used in case evaluations.
Business Owner
Stella Bistro
Dungog, Australia
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Owning and operating a very busy café/restaurant in partnership with my wife.
- Managed financial operations and maintained accurate bookkeeping.
- Developed sales strategies and created budgets to drive revenue.
- Conducted ongoing staff training to enhance service quality.
- Managed kitchen and floor operations.
- Committed to extended shifts to ensure smooth café operations.
Sales Brand Ambassador
McWilliams Wines
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Engaged in public speaking and media interactions across television, radio, and print to promote brand presence.
- Speaking at international trade conventions organized by peak industry body, Wine Australia.
- Collaborated with international distribution partners in UK and North American markets to train sales teams, enhancing their ability to sell newly released wines.
- Hosting trade events and tastings at large scale events such as trade-shows or more intimate settings with VIP customers and trade personnel.
- Delivered high-quality customer service and engagement while hosting trade dinners and similar events, fostering strong relationships with clients.
- Highly developed strategies for effective communication, person-to-person and collectively.
Sales and Operations Manager
McWilliam’s Wines
Mount Pleasant, Australia
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Managing daily operations of highly respected, luxury wine business situated in the Hunter Valley.
- Oversaw profitable operations across all aspects of the business and ensured accountability for results.
- Coordinated staff of forty-five across sales, cellar door, and restaurant operations to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Developed strategic plans to meet ambitious budget targets and executed initiatives throughout the financial year.
- Prepared financial reports for National Sales Director and HR Director to inform decision-making and financial strategy.
- Hosting domestic and international VIP clients.
- Mount Pleasant, Hunter Valley, NSW
Education
Bachelor of Laws -
Charles Sturt University
Bathurst06-2026
Advanced Diploma - Viticulture for Winemaking
TAFE NSW
NSW01.2005
Skills
- Impeccable written and verbal communication skills
- Legal research and report writing skills
- Inherent understanding of legal procedure and document preparation
- Customer service and client communication
- Ability to work under pressure
- Working autonomously or in a team environment
- Responsibility and accountability
- Time management in fast-paced environments
- Highly developed IT skills
- Current Working with Children Check
- NSW Police Check
- First aid certification
Certification
114 NSW Government online training modules (THRIVE) - list can be provided
Timeline
Client Services Officer
NSW Department of Communities and Justice
06.2025 - Current
Youth Officer (Court Logistics & Court Placement)
NSW Department of Communities and Justice
05.2024 - 05.2025
Business Owner
Stella Bistro
01.2018 - 01.2024
Sales Brand Ambassador
McWilliams Wines
01.2014 - 01.2016
Sales and Operations Manager
McWilliam’s Wines
01.2011 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Laws -
Charles Sturt University
Advanced Diploma - Viticulture for Winemaking
TAFE NSW