APS 4 - Legal Associate to Justice Behrens

Purpose of Position
This is a unique opportunity to work in a small team supporting a Judge in a collaborative and supportive chambers.    

The Legal Associate, along with the Judicial Associate, will support and assist a Judge 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, editing judgments and other related matters for judges sitting at first instance and on Appeals. Legal Associates are also responsible for assisting judges during Court hearings and providing other administrative support to judges, as required.  

Legal Associates provide assistance to the Judge who they are designated to work with but may be asked to assist other judges if the need arises.  

Some travel is required, particularly in relation to Appeal work.

Key Responsibilities and Duties
The occupant of this position:

• provides research assistance to the Judge;
• supports the day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries;
• assists the Judge 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;
• assists with the Judge’s judgment writing as required including drafting head notes and catch words, and editing in line with the Court’s judgments publication standards;
• undertakes Court support duties in Court; and
• assists with the general operation and day-to-day running of chambers.

Qualifications
It is mandatory that candidates have completed or are close to completing a qualification in law with a strong academic record. Candidates must have undertaken or be undertaking a Family Law course or have experience working in family law.  Candidates must have a proven interest in Family Law, including in complex parenting disputes.   

Selection Criteria 

1. Demonstrated legal research, analysis and drafting skills underpinned by good attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to prepare briefing materials, well-drafted correspondence and case summaries.
2. Problem solving skills and the ability to evaluate a large volume of information quickly and to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
3. Initiative to work autonomously and take responsibility for progressing work while also being able to work collaboratively, build and maintain positive professional relationships and deal appropriately with sensitive and confidential information.
4. Demonstrated proficiency with technology, including the use of electronic legal resources and the ability to learn and use the Court’s case management systems.
5. The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
6. A high standard of ethical behaviour.
7. Sound organisational skills including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
8. 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.
9. Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of Family Court functions, the organisation, practices, procedures and terminology.
10. Ability to travel when required.

Contact Officer
If you have any questions regarding the role please contact Sally Becher, Judicial Services Team Leader at email: JSTL-SYDLBB.Division1@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). You will also be required to provide your most recent Academic Transcript, as well as a sample of your written work.
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 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
Candidates may use AI tools to assist with their participation in this recruitment process unless otherwise advised. Where AI tools are used, candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is transparent, accurate, and genuinely reflects their own skills, capabilities, and experience.

For more information, see: Principles for candidate use of AI in Recruitment 

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

Applications close: Monday, 20 July 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

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