Judicial Registrar – Small Claims, Fair Work

Judicial Registrar – Small Claims, Fair WorkThe FCFCOA (Division 2) is seeking highly capable candidates who are enthusiastic, driven, and motivated to perform the key functions of a Judicial Registrar.
Registrars exercise judicial and statutory functions delegated by Judges or conferred by the rules of the FCFCOA (Division 2) in the general federal law jurisdictions of the court.
The Judicial Registrar is a multi-faceted position and plays a key role within the structure of the courts, particularly in relation to the following:
Hearing and determining certain matters in general federal law filed in the FCFCOA (Division 2) – specifically in the newly expanded small claims procedure;Conducting mediations of matters in the general federal law jurisdiction of the FCFCOA (Division 2), predominantly in the fair work jurisdiction;Undertaking a range of other registrar work in the general federal law jurisdiction of the FCFCOA (Division 2), including case management in support of judges and performing delegated judicial functions;Working collaboratively with other registrars to support the judges of the FCFCOA (Division 2) in relation to the efficient disposition of their work;Liaising with judges, court staff, court users, and other internal and external stakeholders.This role is suitable for practitioners with substantial civil litigation experience in one or more areas of practice that align with the general federal law jurisdiction of the Court.
This Judicial Registrar role is expected to have a primary focus on the small claims procedure and other fair work matters in the FCFCOA (Division 2). Accordingly, a background, experience, or demonstrated interest in employment and industrial relations law will be highly regarded. The role may also involve undertaking a broader range of FCFCOA (Division 2) registrar work.
Successful applicants will also be appointed as Registrars of the FCA and may undertake some work in the FCA, as directed.
Major ActivitiesThe core areas of activity for the Judicial Registrar are outlined below.
Perform Delegated Judicial WorkPerform delegated judicial work, including:
Perform statutory duties, powers, and functions of a Registrar pursuant to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 and other legislative instruments, as required.Perform delegated judicial functions for judges of the FCFCOA (Division 2) locally and nationally, including:Hearing and determining matters filed in the small claims procedure of the FCFCOA (Division 2);Conducting mediations;Undertaking case management of various proceedings – especially in relation to small claims matters;Where required, hearing and determining certain interlocutory applications in relation to matters such as discovery, privilege, and security for costs.Carry out delegated judicial functions by presiding as required over various FCFCOA (Division 2) court lists and proceedings in areas including bankruptcy and employment law.Assisting as needed as national duty registrar on a rotational basis.Carrying out other judicial registrar practice, as required.Policy & PracticeUndertake strategic review and development of policy, practice, and procedure, including managing internal and external consultation processes and supporting the development of new practice documents – particularly in relation to the small claims procedure in the FCFCOA. Assisting as required with education opportunities for judges, registrars, court staff, and members of the profession.
Support for Judges and Other RegistrarsEngaging with judges, senior executive staff, and other registrars to identify and undertake work in support of judges for the effective case management and disposition of proceedings – particularly in relation to claims filed in the small claims procedure. Providing high-level support to the judges, other registrars, and senior management of the Court regarding the management of the Court's overall workloads.
Competencies & AttributesTo undertake this role the successful applicant must have:
Extensive experience in civil litigation with experience in employment/industrial law favourably considered;A comprehensive understanding of how case management and mediations are undertaken;A high-level understanding of the jurisdiction and practices and procedures of the FCFCOA (Division 2);A proven ability to:Undertake analytical and legal work and critically evaluate a large volume of information in a high-pressure environment;Build and sustain positive relationships with a network of key stakeholders internally and externally.Formal QualificationsThis position requires the performance of statutory legal functions. These functions include conducting hearings (including case management hearings) and mediations. Therefore, legal qualifications and admission as a practitioner of the High Court and/or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia are essential.
This role is suitable for lawyers at senior associate level or above with substantial civil litigation experience. A minimum of 5 years post-admission experience is expected.
The successful applicant will be expected to be an accredited mediator or be willing to undertake the necessary course and assessment modules to obtain accreditation.
Selection CriteriaDemonstrated extensive experience in civil litigation and practice (including exposure to case management) in Commonwealth courts. Some experience in employment and/or industrial relations law is preferred.The ability to exercise judicial discretion in an appropriate manner including the capacity to preside in court and exercise delegated judicial powers and functions.Demonstrated experience in, or the ability to conduct, mediations or other ADR mechanisms.Demonstrated experience and understanding of the jurisdiction and practice of general federal law work in the FCFCOA (Division 2).Excellent analytical skills and demonstrated ability to critically evaluate large volumes of information and demonstrate sound judgment in decision-making in a high-pressure environment.Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to represent the FCFCOA (Division 2) at a senior level, when interacting with the public and legal profession, and the ability to influence behaviour and attitudes at all levels.Demonstrated ability to shape strategic thinking and implement improved and innovative practices.Contact OfficerFor more information, confidential enquiries can be made to Amelia Edwards, National Judicial Registrar, on (03) 8638 6805 or ******.
Employment ConditionsEmployment 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 InclusionFederal 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 a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
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