Aps 5 - Associate and Research Associate to Justice Banks-smith

$80,341 - $87,572 per annum, plus 15.4% superannuation
- Non-Ongoing, full time for a period of 12 months with possible extension
- Perth, WA

**2026 Associate Positions - Federal Court of Australia (Perth Registry)**

**Associate positions**

Associates are covered by the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. Both positions are renumerated at the same level and the associates are expected to work collaboratively in providing support to the judge.

**Position overview**
The Associate provides high-level legal and administrative support, including communication with solicitors, counsel and litigants. Duties include undertaking specific legal tasks, proofing draft judgments and provision of in-court support. The Associate role also includes supporting their judge when working interstate, including travel as appropriate, and communicating with other chambers, registry and court staff.

The Research Associate provides legal and research support to their judge. Tasks include researching a broad range of legal issues, drafting research notes and proofing draft judgments. The Research Associate performs some of the tasks of the Associate when required.

These roles require articulate, energetic and resilient individuals who can build positive professional relationships.

The responsibilities assigned to an Associate and Research Associate will vary from time to time but typically might include the following:
Provide legal support
- assist the judge with the conduct of court hearings;
- assist the judge with the coordination and case management of matters, including organizing the judge's court sittings, listings, court materials and liaising with parties, as required;
- undertake accurate, timely data entry and maintenance of all relevant information in the court systems, including the case management system in accordance with record keeping guidelines and the Court's information management policy;
- carry out legal research, managing workloads appropriately to ensure that requests for legal research are responded to in an accurate and timely manner;
- prepare case summaries of matters in the judge's docket based upon the nature and circumstances of the matter, the relevant legislation, practice and procedure and the rules of the Court;
- assist the judge with the coordination and case management of matters, including organizing the judge's court sittings, listings, court materials and liaising with parties, as required;
- proofread judgments and orders, including verifying citations; and
- assist with preparation of speeches and other papers.

Provide administrative support
- organise the judge's court sittings, listings, diary and exhibits as required;
- provide administrative assistance to the judge in court;
- contact parties and monitor compliance with court orders; and
- work closely with the judge's other chambers staff and where required provide assistance with the administrative operations of the chambers.

Maintain positive professional relationships
- as the chambers contact point, maintain a high standard of service to and positive professional relationships with judges, the legal profession and other court users; and
- maintain positive professional relationships with court staff, including registrars, chambers and registry staff.

The successful applicants will work to support a busy judge as part of a small Chambers team and will be expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and initiative, taking personal responsibility for progressing work. The successful applicants should also be adaptable to changing demands and understand the requirement to strictly maintain confidentiality.

**Competencies and attributes**
Applicants should possess the following attributes:

- a law degree (completed as at January 2026);
- a strong record of academic achievement;
- a high level of organisation and administrative efficiency;
- exceptional research and analytical skills;
- excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills; and
- editorial skills.