APS 4 - Deputy Associate to Justice Hughes

Federal Court of Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Court of Australia in Canberra seeks a Deputy Associate to support the Judge in day-to-day chamber management and the preparation of Court materials. You will conduct legal research, prepare judgment materials, and assist with case management and courtroom operations.

The role involves managing inquiries, transcribing orders, and contributing to the drafting and publication of judgments, within a small team and a professional federal court environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to undertake legal research (online and offline) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including tact, discretion, initiative and effective communication with judiciary, legal professionals, public and court staff.
• Strong organisational skills to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure within a team.
• Proficiency with technology, including MS Office, electronic legal resources, and Court case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conduct of Court proceedings, including transcription of orders and general courtroom management.
• Assist the Associate in day-to-day chambers management, respond to enquiries and manage the Judge's inbox.
• Undertake legal research, identify relevant legislation, summarize authorities, and prepare research materials.
• Enter data into the Court’s case management systems reflecting outcomes of Court events.
• Assist with preparation of matters for Court and Judge, including case summaries and file maintenance.
• Assist with preparation and delivery of judgments, including complex legal research and editing to publication standards.
• Assist with general operation of chambers and other duties as required.

Skills

Legal research

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Technology proficiency

Adaptability

Legal environment experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Court case management systems

Job description

Position Overview

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.

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. 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

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.

1. Ability to undertake legal research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.


2. 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.


3. Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.


4. 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.


5. The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities and participate in collective work practices.


6. Experience in a legal environment.

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Sue Cohen, Manager Court Services via telephone [phone] or email [e-mail]

Eligibility

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, 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

Monday 28 September 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

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