Aps 5 - Judicial Associate

**Position Overview**
A judicial associate assists a Division 1 judge with Family Law matters.
The position of judicial associate is responsible for providing a high level of administrative support to a judicial officer. A judicial associate may also be required to assist with case preparation, research assistance, and the preparation of judgments.
Travel on circuit and to judicial relief locations, both intra and interstate may be required.
The purpose of this position is to ensure:

- that the judicial officer is able to conduct the business of the Court in a professional and efficient manner;
- the timely completion of all tasks associated with court hearings; and
- the effective operation of chambers.

**Key Responsibilities and Duties**
The position of judicial associate involves a number of competing priorities and therefore requires good organisational skills to meet these demands. This role requires an individual who works well in a team environment.

The position of Judicial Associate has regular and substantial contact with members of the judiciary, court staff, legal practitioners, litigants and external agencies including:

- liaison with client service / case coordination staff with respect to court files;
- liaison with legal practitioners and litigants in respect of orders and judgments and the listing of matters before the judicial officer;
- liaison with external agencies including Legal Aid and the Australian Federal Police and legal profession organisations; and
- liaison with other administrative staff of the court with respect to the judicial court calendar, leave and travel approvals, and other judicial entitlements.

The major responsibilities of the judicial associate include:

- attending court with the judicial officer, including circuit sittings, to provide administrative support to the judicial officer during all trials, pre-trial and duty lists, as required;
- managing court files prior to and at the completion of trials to ensure that the files are maintained and are up to date;
- providing a high level of administrative support to the judicial officer to ensure the prompt distribution of orders and judgments;
- entering data accurately into the Court’s case management and other information systems to reflect the workload of the judicial officer;
- making travel arrangements (flight bookings, accommodation reservations and car bookings) associated with circuit and relief sittings, and attendance at meetings and conferences;
- updating the judicial officer’s loose-leaf filing system to ensure that he/she has access to the most recent legislation and reference material;
- undertaking personal work as required by the judicial officer;
- providing assistance, if required, at conferences, functions and/or meetings to ensure that the respective event is conducted in a professional manner;
- providing assistance with legal research and judgment preparation, as required; and
- managing and supervising the judicial officer’s legal associate.

**Qualifications**
- A degree in law would be an advantage.
- Applicants who have completed a Family Law unit as part of their tertiary studies will be at a distinct advantage.
- Holds a current NSW driver's licence (preferred).

**Selection Criteria**
- Demonstrated sound organisational skills, initiative, the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, oversee chambers’ workflow, and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, including tact, discretion, and the ability to communicate effectively with members of the judiciary, the legal profession, litigants, the public and other court staff.
- Demonstrated insight into, and empathy for, the challenges faced by litigants and children in family law disputes.
- Demonstrated understanding of, and capacity to adhere to, the principles of confidentiality.
- Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) organisation, functions, practices, procedures and terminology.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake research, prepare case summaries, summarise evidence, and prepare written correspondence in family law matters.
- Well-developed computer skills including use of Microsoft Office for Windows, such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

**Contact Officer**

**How to apply**

To be eligible for employment with the Federal Court of Australia, you must be an Australian Citizen and will be required to provide proof of citizenship if you are the successful applicant.

Applicants offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a police record check and must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply._
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