OUR CLIENT

The Federal Court of Australia is a national judicial institution committed to delivering justice with integrity, transparency, and excellence. With 62 judges and registries across seven locations, the Court plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and supporting Australia’s legal framework. The Chief Justice oversees the administrative affairs and efficient operation of the Federal Court of Australia and is supported by the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar in managing the Court’s business and administration.

THE ROLE

| Shape National Reform | Lead Court Operations | Influence at the Highest Levels |

This is a rare opportunity to work closely with judicial and executive leaders, drive operational and legal reform and help deliver the Court’s strategic objectives.

The Federal Court of Australia is seeking an outstanding legal and executive leader to join its senior executive team as Deputy Principal Registrar. Supporting the Chief Justice and CEO and Principal Registrar, this pivotal role provides high-level legal, strategic, and operational support while overseeing nationally significant reform, Court operations, and the national Registrar cohort.

ABOUT YOU

You are a senior legal and executive leader with a deep understanding of the Australian justice system, a high degree of professional integrity, and the capability to influence across all levels of government and the judiciary.

Key Responsibilities

Support the Chief Justice and CEO and Principal Registrar in managing the Court’s operations and statutory obligations

Coordinate and deliver strategic reform and innovation initiatives across Court operations

Provide high level advice to judicial committees and judicial project groups, including being a member of the Court’s executive committee

Develop and lead implementation of Court policy and practice, including judicial protocols and compliance

Build, maintain and strengthen key strategic relationships with external stakeholders including other Courts and Tribunals, the legal profession and other agencies in relation to issues affecting the Court

May act as CEO and Principal Registrar when required

Executive Leadership – Registrars

Lead and coordinate with District Registrars to ensure the efficient deployment of Court Registrars and effective support for judicial functions.

Manage Registrar resource planning, work allocation and workloads, , ensuring capability and professional satisfaction for Registrars

Lead and coordinate national recruitment, induction, learning and development for Registrars

Deliver registrar-focused projects in areas such as practice, workload management, and workforce structure

Senior Stakeholder Engagement

This role is the key executive link between the Court and its partners in government, the judiciary, and the legal sector:

Build and maintain strategic relationships with the Attorney-General’s Department and other key agencies

Engage with Courts, Tribunals, professional associations and law societies to ensure alignment and collaboration

Foster trusted internal relationships with Judges and Court leadership

Lead change communication, ensuring national stakeholders are consulted and informed on Court-wide matters

Perform delegated judicial functions

The Deputy Principal Registrar will be expected to engage in a sufficient amount of core legal work, including mediations, to maintain familiarity with the Court's trial and appellate workload.

Selection Criteria

The successful applicant for the role will need to meet the Integrated Leadership System capabilities for the SES Band 2 level, and will also need to have the following:

Must be legally qualified and have been admitted as a practitioner of the High Court and/or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia.

A minimum of 10 years’ post-admission experience in legal practice is essential.

Substantial management knowledge and significant experience working in a complex court administration environment and assisting with the operational management of a Court;

Extensive experience working with and within the Government, including:

Extensive experience in the formulation of policy and the provision of high-level legal and policy advice and support;

Substantial experience in financial management and budgets, including demonstrated strategic, analytical, and financial management skills;

Significant leadership and management experience in senior roles. The Deputy Principal Registrar will lead through demonstrating their professional excellence and their commitment to the Courts’ objectives and reforms;

Demonstrated ability to drive change management and broad transformational change, including the development and implementation of fundamental reform and changes to national policies and procedures;

Highly developed organisational, analytical and problem-solving solving and dispute resolution skills, including the ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities and competing demands and priorities appropriately;

Well-developed professional networks across the courts, government and key stakeholder groups;

Exemplary communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills, including the ability to sustain positive relationships with a network of key stakeholders internally and externally;

Highly developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in an environment requiring utmost tact, diplomacy and discretion; and

Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of public sector governance and accountability. A sound knowledge of the unique situation of self-managing courts within the Australian Constitution.

How to apply

As part of your application, you will need to provide an updated resume and a response to the selection criteria listed above (maximum word limit 1500).

Application Close: Monday 28 July 2025 at 11:59 pm (AEST)

To organise a confidential discussion or to request a copy of the Position Description, please email [email protected].