magistrates court associate

Courts Administration Authority

Job reference: 704296

Location: ADELAIDE BC

Job status: Short Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Launch your legal career at the heart of South Australia's justice system.

The Courts Administration Authority (CAA) supports the operation of South Australia's courts, ensuring the fair and efficient administration of justice. Within the Court Services Division, the Magistrates Associate provides essential legal and procedural support to the Magistracy — a unique role offering unmatched insight into judicial reasoning, court operations, and legal reform.The Magistrates Associate is responsible for the provision of a comprehensive professional legal research service to the Magistracy. The Magistrates Associate works primarily out of court to support the Magistracy directly in relation to specific legal research tasks, proofing of judgments, case summaries and indirectly by providing current awareness services, update of bench books, developing and amending Rules of Court and advice on legislative and procedural reforms. The Magistrates Associate will also provide legal and procedural support as the Courts Administration Authority implements its new electronic case management system.

About the ROLE:

You are one of two Magistrates Associates that work primarily out of court to support the Magistracy. As a Magistrates Associate, you'll:

• Conduct high-quality legal research and analysis to assist Magistrates.
• Proof and edit judgments, prepare case summaries, and monitor legislative change.
• Contribute to the review of Rules of Court and development of judicial resources.
• Support reform initiatives and the implementation of new court technology.

This is an outstanding opportunity for law graduates or newly admitted practitioners to apply their legal knowledge in a dynamic environment, build professional credibility, and contribute to projects shaping the justice system of South Australia.

About YOU:

You are a motivated, analytical thinker with excellent research and communication skills. You work well under pressure, manage competing priorities, and thrive on collaboration with experienced legal professionals.

WHY join us?

Gain direct exposure to the judiciary, work on justice reform projects, and develop the skills to excel in law, policy, or the courts sector.

Special Conditions:

The following special conditions apply to this position:

• This is 12 months contract with possibility of an extension.
• Appointment is under the Courts Administration Act 1993. Terms and conditions of employment are governed by the Public Sector Act 2009.
• Appointment is dependent upon a current National Police Certificate that the CAA finds satisfactory.
• As a justice agency the CAA may receive details of spent convictions as part of any Criminal History Screening and use this information in the selection process.
• May be directed to work at any court sitting place or business unit on an as required basis.
• Undertake work related intrastate travel, which may require driving a motor vehicle and overnight absences.
• May occasionally be required to work outside of the normal hours of work.

Requirements:

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Laws degree is required to become a Magistrates Associate. The following levels apply:

• For appointment at the JUA1 level – un-admitted practitioner.
• For appointment at the JUA2 level – admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of South Australia (i.e., successful completion of a Graduate Diploma or Certificate in Legal Practice).

• For appointment at the JUA3 level – a minimum of one year's practicing experience as a legal practitioner after being admitted to practice in the State of South Australia. One year's practicing experience as a legal practitioner may include:

• time spent employed as a legal practitioner at a law firm, or government department (e.g., the Crown or the DPP); or

• time spent working as an associate after the associate has been admitted; or

• a combination of (a) and (b).

Time spent employed as a legal practitioner will only count towards the one year's practicing experience where the person held a valid practicing certificate in the State of South Australia. Evidence of practicing experience must be provided, by way of a copy of the practicing certificate together with a letter from the previous employer confirming the duration of your employment. One year's practicing experience as a legal practitioner may not include time spent as a clerk at a law firm, government department or chambers.

Remuneration:

• JUA1 – Bachelor of Laws (un-admitted) ($60,931)
• JUA2 – Admitted to practice in South Australia ($67,589)
• JUA3 – Minimum one year of post-admission experience – ($69,807)

Enquires:

Heidi Roche, Deputy Director Court Services

Ph:

Email:

Additional Information:

All applications will be submitted online through IWorkforSA. Please refer to the CAA Applicant Kit and attach your resume and cover letter as a single Word or PDF document.

The CAA is committed to creating a workforce which reflects the wider community, as well as providing a working environment which embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome applications from individuals across diverse community groups and are committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment process and workplace.

For further information about the CAA please visit the CAA website.

Applications close: 29/10/2025 6:00 PM