Associate

Lawyers Weekly; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Court Australia in Melbourne seeks an Associate to assist a Judge with day-to-day chambers management and to supervise the Deputy Associate. The role requires handling enquiries, docket management, and ensuring orders and judgments are prepared accurately.

The successful candidate will maintain court case management systems, liaise with external stakeholders, and contribute to improvements in working practices, while upholding high ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Strong communication (oral and written) and liaison skills and the ability to communicate with people of all levels.
• Demonstrated high‑level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications and the internet.
• The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• Tolerance, diligence and the ability to work as a member of a small team.
• A high standard of ethical behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
• Supervise the work of the deputy associate.
• Assist the Judge to manage the docket by preparing and managing matters waiting for hearing.
• Ensure the court's case management system is up-to-date and assist the Judge in the preparation of orders and typing of judgments.
• Maintain court related relationships with various external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational forums working for better working practices.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Communication

Keyboard skills

Adaptability

Team player

Ethical standards

Job description

The Associate is part of a team assisting a Judge in the day-to-day management of Chambers and Court. The role of the Associate is to manage chambers and to supervise the Deputy Associate.

The person appointed to this position is expected to carry out his or her duties so as to:

• satisfy all relevant statutory obligations
• satisfy the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct
• contribute to and support achievement of the Court's Strategic and Business Plans
• operate within the Court's policies and procedural guidelines, and
• support and contribute to the Court's Service Charter

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
• Supervise the work of the deputy associate.
• Assist the Judge to manage the docket by preparing and managing matters waiting for hearing.
• Ensure the court's case management system is up-to-date and assist the Judge in the preparation of orders and typing of judgments.
• Maintain court related relationships with various external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational forums working for better working practices.
• Other duties as required.

Selection Criteria

• Strong communication (oral and written) and liaison skills and the ability to communicate with people of all levels.
• Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications and the internet.
• The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• Tolerance, diligence and the ability to work as a member of a small team.
• A high standard of ethical behaviour.

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Kellie Hose, Judicial Services Team Leader via ***********@fedcourt.gov.au or Taylah Carter, Deputy Judicial Services Team Leader via *************@fedcourt.gov.au

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 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

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: Tuesday 10 November 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

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