Deputy Associate to Judge Doust

Federal Court of Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Court of Australia is seeking a Deputy Associate to support a Judge with day-to-day management of chambers and court materials. The role involves legal research, preparing case summaries, and assisting with judgments.

The successful candidate will have completed or be near completing a law qualification with strong academics and may have an interest in Fair Work. Travel on circuits may be required.

Qualifications

• Must have completed (or near completed) a qualification in law with strong academic record.
• Interest and knowledge in Fair Work is desirable.
• Willingness to travel on circuits.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conduct of Court proceedings and transcription of orders; manage courtroom matters.
• Assist the Associate in day-to-day management of chambers, respond to enquiries, and manage the Judge's inbox.
• Undertake legal research and prepare reports and legal authorities.
• Assist with entering data into the Court's case management systems to reflect 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.
• Support the general operation of chambers and perform other duties as required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Legal research

Organisational skills

Microsoft Office

Ability to travel on circuits

Education

Law qualification (near completion)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Internet research tools

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. Interest and knowledge in Fair Work is desirable.

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 Dylan Collingwood, Judicial Services Team Leader, 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

Application Close: Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEDT)

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