Deputy Associate (Legal)

Federal Court of Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Court Australia in Sydney seeks a Deputy Associate to assist the Judge in day‑to‑day management of Chambers and Court. You will help prepare court materials, undertake legal research, and assist with judgment preparation as required.

The role involves transcription of orders, responding to enquiries, maintaining case records, and supporting the delivery of judgments in line with publication standards. A law qualification with a strong academic record is required.

Qualifications

• Must have completed (or near completed) a qualification in law with a strong academic record.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including tact, discretion and initiative.
• Ability to undertake legal research and prepare reports and written correspondence.
• Demonstrated organisational skills and ability to manage priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conduct of Court proceedings and transcription of orders; manage courtroom matters.
• Support the day‑to‑day management of chambers and respond to enquiries.
• Undertake legal research identifying relevant authorities and prepare research materials.
• Assist with management of cases and enter data into case management systems.
• Assist with preparation of matter materials, case summaries and file maintenance.
• Support preparation and delivery of judgments, including editing to publication standards.
• Contribute to the general operation of chambers.
• .perform other duties as required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Legal research

Organisational skills

Communication

Education

Law qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Internet research

Job description

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

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Selection Criteria

• 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.
• Ability to undertake legal research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
• Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
• 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 and participate in collective work practices.
• The ability to travel on circuits.

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Michelle Thornley via telephone[phone]***or email***************@fcfcoa.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.

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