Legal Associate - Division 1

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.  Some travel 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 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 of chambers, when required.

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.

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.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment with the Federal Court of Australia, you must be an Australian Citizen and will be required to provide proof of citizenship if you are the successful applicant.

Applicants offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a police record check and must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

Contact Officer
Please email to Ashleigh Johnston at ***************@fcfcoa.gov.au or by telephone on (02) 806 2374

How to apply
To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. If you have any issues with applying, please email at ***********@fedcourt.gov.au

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