Legal Associate

Purpose of Position
The primary role of Legal Associates is to support and assist judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1), which is a Federal Court of superior record that exercises jurisdiction exclusively in Family Law. 

Legal Associates assist in researching cases, points of law, preparing matters for hearing and other related matters for judges sitting at first instance and/or in Appeals. Legal Associates are responsible for providing assistance to judicial officers during court hearings and other administrative support to judges, as required.  In addition, Legal Associates perform court support duties.

Legal Associates primarily provide assistance to designated judges but may be asked to assist other judges if the need arises.  Some travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities and Duties
The occupant of this position:

• provides research assistance to judicial officers.
• day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
• assists judicial officers with the management of cases and, if required, enters data into the Court’s case management system.
• assists with the preparation of matters for both the Court and the Judge, with the Judge’s judgment writing as required including head notes, catch wording, and editing in line with the Court’s judgments publication standards.
• undertakes judicial associate and client service (court officer) duties, and provides assistance by updating chambers loose leaf series, and
• assists with the general operation and day-to-day running of chambers.

Qualifications
It is a mandatory that candidates have completed a qualification in law with a strong academic record.

Selection Criteria

1. Ability to undertake research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
2. Sound organisational skills including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
3. Well-developed interpersonal skills including tact, discretion, initiative and the ability to communicate effectively with members of the judiciary, the legal profession, the public and other court staff.
4. Ability to operate computer-based equipment and associated word processing and other software.
5. Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of Family Court functions, the organisation, practices, procedures and terminology.

Contact Officer
For more information, please contact Sally Becher, Judicial Services Team Leader DIV1, via telephone (02) 4250 7043 or email Sally.Becher@fcfcoa.gov.au. 

How to apply
To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. 

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application

If you have any technical issues with applying, please email recruitment@fedcourt.gov.au 

Eligibility
Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following: 

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
2. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.
3. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired. 

Diversity and Inclusion
Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability.  

First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families. 

Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability