Legal Associate

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Court Australia is seeking Legal Associates to support judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court (Division 1). You will research cases, prepare matters for hearing, and provide courtroom and administrative support to judicial officers, including data entry and assisting with judgment writing.

The role involves assisting designated judges, with possible travel interstate for appellate and first instance work, and requires a law degree with strong academics and post-admission

Qualifications

• Mandatory law qualification with strong academic record.
• Post-admission legal practice experience 1+ years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides research assistance to judicial officers.
• Assists with the general operation and day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
• Assists judicial officers with case management and data entry into the Court's case management system.
• Assists with preparation of matters for the Court and the Judge.
• Assists the Judge with judgment writing, head notes, catch wording, and editing per publication standards.
• Assists the judicial associate and with running courtroom duties.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting

Attention to detail

Case briefing

Autonomy

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Education

Law degree

Tools

Case management systems

Virtual courtroom systems

Electronic legal resources

Job description

The primary role of Legal Associates is to support and assist judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1), which is a Federal Court of superior record that exercises jurisdiction exclusively in Family Law.

Legal Associates assist in researching cases, points of law, preparing matters for hearing and other related matters for judges sitting at first instance and/or in Appeals. Legal Associates are responsible for providing assistance to judicial officers during court hearings and other administrative support to judges, as required. In addition, Legal Associates perform court support duties.

Legal Associates primarily provide assistance to designated judges but may be asked to assist other judges if the need arises. Some interstate travel will be required.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The occupant of this position:

• Provides research assistance to judicial officers.
• Assists with the general operation and day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
• Assists judicial officers with the management of cases and, if required, enter data into the Court’s case management system.
• Assists with the preparation of matters for both the Court and the Judge.
• Assists the Judge with judgment writing as required including head notes, catch wording, legal research and editing in line with the Court’s judgments publication standards.
• Assists the judicial associate and with the running of courtroom duties.
• Assists with the general operation and day-to-day running of chambers.
• Would ordinarily travel interstate with the judicial officer for appellate and first instance work.

Qualifications

It is a mandatory requirement that candidates have completed a qualification in law with a strong academic record.Applications from applicants with one or more years of post-admission experience in legal practice, or similar relevant experience are preferred.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated legal research, analysis and drafting skills underpinned by good attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to prepare briefing materials, well-drafted correspondence and case summaries.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to evaluate a large volume of information quickly and to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Initiative to work autonomously and take responsibility for progressing work while also being able to work collaboratively, build and maintain positive professional relationships and deal appropriately with sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology, including the use of electronic legal resources and the ability to learn and use the Court’s case management systems and virtual courtroom systems.
• The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• A high standard of ethical behaviour including confidentiality.
• Sound organisational skills including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
• 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.
• Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of Family Court functions, the organisation, practices, procedures and terminology.
• Ability to travel when required.

Applications close on 2 November 2026 at 11:30pm (ADST).

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

Contact officer

For more information please contact Deanna Oakley, Judicial Services Team Leader via email [e-mail]

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 court of their employment;
• Health clearance – the successful applicant may be required to complete a health declaration or attend a medical assessment to confirm their fitness for duty.

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

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