Purpose of Position

The Deputy Associate is part of a small team who assists the Judge in the day-to-day management of Chambers and Court. This role also assists with the preparation of Court materials for the judge and involves undertaking legal research and assisting with judgment preparation as required.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Assist in the conduct of Court proceedings, including the transcription of orders, ensuring the orderly conduct of matters and general Courtroom management.
• Assist the Associate in the day-to-day management of chambers including responding to enquiries and as required, managing the Associate inbox on behalf of the Judge.
• Undertake legal research as required by the Judge, including identifying relevant legislation, summarising key legal authorities and preparation and maintenance of legal research materials.
• Assist the Judge with the management of cases and, as required, enter data into the Court’s case management systems to reflect the outcomes of Court events.
• Assist with the preparation of matters for both the Court and the Judge, which may include the preparation of case summaries, general file maintenance and other tasks as required.
• Assist the Judge with the preparation and delivery of judgments, which may include undertaking complex legal research as well as editing in line with the Courts’ judgments publication standards.
• Assist with the general operation of chambers; and
• Other duties, as required.

Other Information

Please note: This position is for a Deputy Associate role in the chambers of a Judge who hears only General Federal Law matters and not Family Law.

Qualifications

It is mandatory that candidates have completed (or near completed) a qualification in law with a strong academic record.

Selection Criteria

1. 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.
2. Ability to undertake legal research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
3. Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
4. Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications and the Internet.
5. The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities and participate in collective work practices.
6. The ability to travel on circuits.

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Dylan Collingwood, Judicial Services Team Leader via telephone (02) 9184 5056 or email [email protected]

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 issues with applying, please email [email protected]

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 disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Application Close: Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 11:30 pm (AEDT)

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