Purpose of Position
The Deputy Associate is part of a small team who assist the Judge in the day-to-day management of Chambers and Court. This role also assists with the preparation of Court materials for the judge and involves undertaking legal research and assisting with judgment preparation as required.
The key duties of the position include:Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Assist in the conduct of Court proceedings, including the transcription of orders, ensuring the orderly conduct of matters and general Courtroom management.
- Assist the Associate in the day-to-day management of chambers including responding to enquiries and as required, managing the Associate inbox on behalf of the Judge.
- 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.
- Assist with the general operation of chambers; and
- Other duties, as required.
EligibilitySelection Criteria
Division 2 of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia deals with family law, migration and other general federal law matters. Candidates should include their interest and experience in the relevant jurisdictions when addressing the selection criteria.
- Ability to undertake legal research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
- 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.
- Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency with technology, including the use of Microsoft Office applications, electronic legal resources and the ability to learn and use the Court’s case management systems.
- The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities and participate in collective work practices.
- Experience in a legal environment.
NotesEligibility
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 course of their employment.
- 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 InclusionFederal 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.
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
Getting to know the Federal Court of Australia
The Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar of the Federal Court, together with officers and staff identified under the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 and the Native Title Act 1993, constitute a single Statutory Agency for the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999. Employees are engaged to work in support of the following courts or tribunal:
- Federal Court of Australia,
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and
- National Native Title Tribunal.
Employees are covered by the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. The Federal Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court each maintain a distinct statutory identity, with separate functions and judicial independence.