Aps 5 - Legal Associate to Chief Justice

**Position Overview**

The Associate is part of a team responsible for providing a high level of legal and administrative support to the Chief Justice/ Chief Judge.
The purpose of this position is to ensure:

- that the Chief Justice 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 efficient and accurate file management of proceedings listed before the Chief Justice, and
- to actively participate as a member of the Chief Justice’s Chambers, including assisting with other Chambers work where required.

**Key Responsibilities and Duties**
- This role requires an individual who works well in a team environment, with the two Legal Associates working closely in Chambers to support the Chief Justice/Chief Judge. The position involves a number of competing priorities and therefore requires good organisational skills to meet these demands.
- The major responsibilities of the Legal Associate include:

- Assist in the conduct of Court proceedings, including preparation of case summaries, general file maintenance, the transcription of orders, the orderly conduct of matters and general courtroom management;
- 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 in the day-to-day management of Chambers including responding to enquiries and managing the Associate inbox on behalf of the Judge;
- 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 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.

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

- liaison with legal practitioners and parties in respect of orders and judgments and the listing of matters before the judicial officer;
- liaison with external agencies including Legal Aid, child protection agencies and police;
- liaison with Judges, staff and external stakeholders as a member and representative of the Chief Justice’s Chambers.

**Selection Criteria**
- Demonstrated legal research, analysis and drafting skills underpinned by good attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to prepare briefing materials, well-drafted correspondence and case summaries.
- Sound problem solving and organisational skills, including to the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively and efficiently.
- Initiative to work autonomously and take responsibility for progressing work while also being able to work collaboratively, build and maintain positive professional relationships and deal appropriately with sensitive and confidential information.
- 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.
- Demonstrated proficiency with technology, including the use of electronic legal resources and the ability to learn and use the Court’s case management systems.
- Well-developed personal skills, including tact, discretion and the ability to communicate effectively with members of the judiciary, the legal profession, the public and other court staff.
- A willingness to contribute to the broader work of the Chief Justice’s Chambers, including assisting with broader legal research, drafting, stakeholder engagement and events where required.
- Demonstrated understanding, or ability to acquire such knowledge quickly, of the Family Law Act 1975, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021, Rules and Regulations; and the jurisdiction and practices and procedures of the FCFCOA (Division 1) and the FCFCOA (Division 2) across areas of family law and general federal law.

**Other Requirements**
- A qualification in law with a strong academic record (Academic Transcript to be attached).
- The ability to travel interstate as required.

**Eligibility**
- Australian citizenship - the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship;
- 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;

**Diversity and Inclusion**

**RecruitAbility**

**Recruitment Process**

**Contact Officer**

Word
- Opens in new window

PDF
- Opens in new window