Legal Associate

Join to apply for the Legal Associate role at Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia A$75,022.00/yr - A$81,775.00/yr Purpose of Position Legal associates assist with researching cases, points of law, preparing matters for hearing including other related matters for first instance judges and of the Court. 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 travel may be required. Key Responsibilities and Duties Provides research assistance to judicial officers. Assists judicial officers with the management of cases and, if required, enters data into the Court’s case management system. Assists with the preparation of matters for both the Court and the Judge, with the Judge’s judgment writing as required including head notes, catch wording, and editing in line with the Court’s judgments publication standards. Undertakes judicial associate and client service (court officer) duties, and provides assistance by updating chambers loose leaf series. Assists with the general operation of chambers, when required. Qualifications It is a mandatory that candidates have completed (or near completed) a qualification in law. A strong academic record. Have completed the family law subject or have an interest in family law. University level public speaking or debating experience. Interest in advocacy as a career. Selection Criteria Ability to undertake research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence. 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. Ability to operate computer-based equipment and associated word processing and other software. Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of Family Court functions, the organisation, practices, procedures and terminology. Applications close on Friday 12 December 2025 at 11:30pm AEDT. Contact Officer For more information, please contact James Colbert, via telephone or email How to apply To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application. If you have any technical issues with applying, please email Employment conditions 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: Seniority level Not applicable Employment type Full-time Job function Legal, Administrative, and Other Administration of Justice, Legal Services, and Courts of Law #J-18808-Ljbffr