Deputy Associate

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.

Key Responsibilities and 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. Undertake legal research as required by the Judge, including identifying relevant legislation, summarising key legal authorities and preparation and maintenance of legal research materials;
4. 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;
5. 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;
6. 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;
7. Assist with the general operation of chambers; and
8. Other duties, as required.

Selection Criteria 

1. 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.
2. Ability to undertake legal research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
3. Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment. 
4. Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications and the Internet.
5. The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities and participate in collective work practices.
6. The ability to travel on circuits.

Qualifications

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

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 

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 technical issues with applying, please email ***********@fedcourt.gov.au

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.