APS 5 - Associate (Legal) - FCFCOA Division 2

Purpose of position
The Associate is part of a team assisting a Judge in the day-to-day management of Chambers and Court. The role of the Associate is to manage chambers and to supervise the Deputy Associate.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
• Supervise the work of the deputy associate.
• Assist the Judge to manage the docket by preparing and managing matters waiting for hearing;
• Undertake legal research as required by the Judge, including identifying relevant legislation,summarising key legal authorities and preparation and maintenance of legal research materials;
• Assist the Judge with the management of cases and as required, enter data into the Court’s case management systems to reflect the outcomes of Court events;
• Assist with the preparation of matters for both the Court and the Judge, which may include the preparation of case summaries, general file maintenance and other tasks as required;
• Assist the Judge with the preparation and delivery of judgments, which may include undertaking complex legal research as well as editing in line with the Courts’ judgments publication standards;
• Other duties, as required.

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

Selection Criteria

1. Strong communication (oral and written) and liaison skills and the ability to communicate with people of all levels.
2. Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications and the internet.
3. The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
4. Tolerance, diligence and the ability to work as a member of a small team.
5. A high standard of ethical behaviour.

Contact Officer
For more information, please contact Donna Friedl via telephone 02 7809 1132 or email Donna.Friedl@fedcourt.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 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.

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

Application Close: Sunday, 02 August 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

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