APS 4 - Legal Associate

Position Overview
Legal associates assist with researching cases, points of law, preparing matters for hearing including other related matters for first instance judges and of the Court.  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.  Travel on circuit and judicial relief locations, both intra and interstate may be required.

Key Responsibilities and Duties
The occupant of this position:

• provides research assistance to judicial officers
• 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 headnotes, 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 of chambers, when required.

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.

Qualifications
It is a mandatory that candidates have completed (or near completed) a qualification in law with a strong academic record and have completed the family law subject. 

Please provide a current copy of your academic transcript as evidence for this. 

Contact Officer 
For more information, please contact Sally Becher via email at jstl-sydlbb.division1@fcfcoa.gov.au or (02) 4250 7043

How to apply
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.
To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. If you have any 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:

Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship;

Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check, and may also be required to complete security clearances during the court of their employment;

Health clearance – the successful applicant may be required to complete a health declaration or attend a medical assessment to confirm their fitness for duty.

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

Application Close: Monday 15 June 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.