Position overview and key duties

Deputy Registrars will perform certain delegated judicial functions in the FCFCOA (Division 1) and the FCFCOA (Division 2) pursuant to sections 98 and 254 of the FCFCOA Act, respectively and other legislative instruments, assisting with a variety of legal work across both Courts. The Deputy Registrar position can be multi-faceted and plays a key role within the Courts, including in the following areas:

• Court work, at the local and national level, conducting national divorce lists.
• A variety of chambers work, including determining Applications for Consent Orders and considering certain applications as a duty registrar.
• After appropriate training, undertaking conciliation conferences in small-mid level disputes.
• Assisting with the formulation of legal policy within the Courts, including in support of various Court Committees and with the implementation of policies on a national basis.
• National/operational work, assisting with the assessment of the Courts’ caseload under new legislative arrangements in support of the Chief Justice of the FCFCOA (Division 1)/Chief Judge of the FCFCOA (Division 2) (Chief Justice) and the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar (CEO/PR) of the Courts.
• Playing an important role locally and nationally in helping to deliver and implement the Courts’ reform agenda, together with delivering key Court initiatives, demonstrating leadership in the performance of their legal and other duties and functions.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders in areas of Deputy Registrar practice and matters of jurisdiction, including with the legal profession.

Deputy Registrars may also undertake additional national roles and responsibilities, including participating in case management initiatives within the Court, assisting with the development of coherent and consistent practice and procedure, analyses of workload, and liaison with, and education of, the profession.

After undertaking the duties of a Deputy Registrar at a high level for an appropriate period of time, consideration will be given to Deputy Registrars undertaking higher-level Registrar duties, subject to their performance, skills and experience.

Selection Criteria

The successful applicants will need to have:

1. The ability to exercise judicial discretion in an appropriate manner: capacity to preside in court and exercise delegated powers and functions in the FCFCOA (Division 1) and the FCFCOA (Division 2) pursuant to sections 98 and 254 of the FCFCOA Act, respectively.
2. Demonstrated experience and understanding or ability to acquire such knowledge quickly, of the Family Law Act 1975, the FCFCOA Act, Rules and Regulations; and the jurisdiction and practices and procedures of the FCFCOA (Division 1) and family law work in the FCFCOA (Division 2).
3. Well-developed understanding of civil litigation and practice in superior courts of Australia, including in family law.
4. Well-developed legal research, analysis and drafting skills underpinned by exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
5. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, critically evaluate large volumes of information, manage competing priorities effectively, and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
6. Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships with key stakeholders.
7. Demonstrated proficiency with administrative tasks and technology, including the use of electronic legal resources and the ability to learn and use the Courts’ case management systems and courtroom technology.

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
2. 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.
3. 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

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

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

How to apply

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

Contact Officer

For more information, confidential enquiries can be made to Brigida Corte-Real via email at [email protected].