Associate - FCFCOA (Division 2)

Purpose of Position

The Associate is part of a small team assisting a judge in the day-to-day management of Chambers and Court. They manage chambers and supervise the Deputy Associate.

They are responsible for providing assistance to judicial officers during court hearings and other administrative support to judges, as required. In addition, associates perform court support duties.

Associates primarily provide assistance to designated judges but may be asked to assist other judges if the need arises. Some travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The occupant of this position:

• Manages day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
• Supervises the work of the deputy associate.
• Assists the Judge to manage the docket by preparing and managing matters waiting for hearing, enters data into the Court's case management system.
• Provides research assistance to the Judge.
• Assists with the preparation of matters for both the Court and the Judge, with the Judge's judgment writing as required including headnotes, catch wording, and editing in line with the Court's judgments publication standards
• Maintains Court related relationships with various external stakeholders

Qualifications

It is a requirement that candidates have broad experience in legal and court processes.

Selection Criteria

• Ability to undertake research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
• Sound organisational skills include the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
• 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.
• Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications and the internet.
• Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of Family Court functions, the organisation, practices, procedures and terminology.
• Strong communication (oral and written) and liaison skills and the ability to communicate with people of all levels.
• Tolerance, diligence and the ability to work as a member of a small team.
• A high standard of ethical behaviour.
• The ability to travel on circuits.

Salary

$84,228 - $91,809 per annum, plus 15.4% superannuation.

Applications close on Monday 25 August 2025 at 11:30pm (AEST).

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Sue Cohen via email

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 Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.

If you have any technical issues with applying, please email

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 court of their employment.
3. Health clearance – the successful applicant may be required to complete a health declaration or attend a medical assessment to confirm their fitness for duty.

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 a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit:

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