Legal Associate to the Honourable Justice Johns

Position Overview

The primary role of Legal Associates is to support and assist judges 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 and other related matters for judges sitting at first instance and/or in Appeals. 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.

Position Duties

1. Assist in the conduct of Court proceedings, including the transcription of orders, ensuring the orderly conduct of matters and general Courtroom management;
2. 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;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. Provides research assistance to judicial officers.
6. 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.
7. Assist with the general operation of chambers; and
8. Other duties, as required.

Qualifications

It is a mandatory that candidates have completed a qualification in law with a strong academic record.

Selection Criteria 

Candidates should include their interest and experience in the relevant jurisdictions when addressing the 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.

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 

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.

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 with a copy of your academic transcript.

This position is to commence in the week of 18 January 2027. 

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (FCFCOA Act), which came into effect on 1 September 2021, merged the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into a unified court system known as the FCFCOA. The FCFCOA (Division 1) is a superior court that handles the most complex family law cases and serves as the appellate court for family law matters. It operates nationwide, except in Western Australia. The FCFCOA (Division 2), a federal court, shares jurisdiction over family law and child support with Division 1, but also handles general federal law matters, such as administrative law, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and migration law. The Federal Court of Australia entity engages employees under the Public Service Act 1999 to support the Federal Court, the FCFCOA (Divisions 1 and 2), and the National Native Title Tribunal. Established by the 2016 Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Act, each court retains its own identity and judicial independence. FCFCOA employees are covered by the Federal Court Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027.