Position Overview

Legal associates assist with researching cases, points of law, preparing matters for hearing including other related matters for first instance judges and of the Court. Legal associates are responsible for providing assistance to judicial officers during court hearings and other administrative support to judges, as required. In addition, legal associates perform court support duties.

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

The key duties of the position include:

Position Duties The occupant of this position:

- provides research assistance to judicial officers
- assists judicial officers with the management of cases and, if required, enters data into the Court’s case management system
- assists with the preparation of matters for both the Court and the Judge, with the Judge’s judgment writing as required including head notes, catch wording, and editing in line with the Court’s judgments publication standards
- undertakes judicial associate and client service (court officer) duties, and provides assistance by updating chambers loose leaf series, and
- assists with the general operation of chambers, when required.

Eligibility

Selection Criteria

1. Ability to undertake research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
2. Sound organisational skills including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team workplace.
3. 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.
4. Ability to operate computer-based equipment and associated word processing and other software.
5. Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of Family Court functions, the organisation, practices,



procedures and terminology.

Notes

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:

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 court of their employment;

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment

Candidates may use AI tools to assist with their participation in this recruitment process unless otherwise advised.



Where AI tools are used, candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is transparent, accurate, and genuinely reflects their own skills, capabilities, and experience.

For more information, see: Principles for candidate use of AI in Recruitment

How to Apply

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a two-page response outlining your suitability for this position having regards to the selection criteria and duties of the position which are described in the position description (maximum word limit 1000). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.

If you have any issues with applying, please email *****@fedcourt.gov.au

Getting to know the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (FCFCOA Act), which came into effect on 1 September 2021, merged the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into a unified court system known as the FCFCOA. The FCFCOA (Division 1) is a superior court that handles the most complex family law cases and serves as the appellate court for family law matters. It operates nationwide, except in Western Australia. The FCFCOA (Division 2), a federal court, shares jurisdiction over family law and child support with Division 1, but also handles general federal law matters, such as administrative law, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and migration law.

The Federal

Court of Australia entity engages employees under the Public Service Act 1999 to support the Federal Court, the FCFCOA (Divisions 1 and 2), and the National Native Title Tribunal. Established by the 2016 Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Act, each court retains its own identity and judicial independence. FCFCOA employees are covered by the Federal Court Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027.

📌 Legal Associate (Newcastle)
🏢 Federal Circuit And Family Court Of Australia
📍 Newcastle