Organisational Context The Federal Court of Australia was created by the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) as a superior court of record and a court of law and equity. Its overarching goal is to contribute to the social and economic development and wellbeing of all Australians by applying and upholding the rule of law. It sits in all capital cities and elsewhere in Australia when necessary.

The Court has jurisdiction in relation to almost all civil matters and some summary and indictable criminal matters arising under Australian federal law. The work of the Court is organised into nine National Practice Areas (NPAs) to ensure an efficient, effective and nationally consistent approach to the allocation and management of cases.

In 2024, the Court established the Litigants in Person and Pro Bono Project to introduce a coordinated, whole-of-court approach to the judicial and administrative management of proceedings involving litigants in person. Through the Project, the Court has implemented new measures and processes such as the Litigants in Person Practice Note (GPN-LIP) and amendments to the Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth) concerning filings procedures. In 2027, the Project will roll out a suite of new initiatives including a strengthened triaging system, increased focus on early dispute resolution and enhanced coordination of pro bono referrals and connections with service providers.

Position Overview

Judicial Registrars are registrars of the Federal Court of Australia and undertake a diverse range of work across all nine NPAs and sub-areas. This work includes exercising judge-delegated functions, conducting case management and interlocutory work and convening mediations. In addition, some Judicial Registrars have separate appointments requiring them to undertake specific work with various courts or tribunals such as the Registrar of the Australian Competition Tribunal and the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.

Judicial Registrars play an important role within the Court and are responsible for:

- undertaking all of the functions of a Judicial Registrar, including:
- performing the statutory duties, powers and functions of a registrar pursuant to the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) and other legislative instruments, as required;
- performing delegated judicial functions;
- conducting complex mediations;
- undertaking case management of matters;
- presiding in Court and determining complex interlocutory disputes;
- engaging with judges collaboratively at a local level; and
- supporting National Coordinating Judges as required with the management of NPAs and development of national policy and practice.





- performing a mentoring role for legal support staff as required;
- supporting the development of policy and practice in relation to Judicial Registrar work; and
- performing other duties, as required or directed, from time to time.

This role focuses on the FCA’s Litigants in Person and Pro Bono work. Judicial Registrars in the Litigants in Person and Pro Bono Team will also undertake a critical role in:

- implementing new measures and initiatives of the Litigants in Person and Pro Bono Project;
- overseeing initial triaging of proceedings involving litigants in person;
- making pro bono referrals and supervising legal services coordination;
- undertaking preliminary case management conferences with litigants in person;
- leading the Court’s work on accessibility issues and vulnerable litigants;
- assessing outcomes and providing input into Project goals and strategic direction;
- performing other duties, as required or directed, from time to time in relation to the Court’s litigants in person and pro bono work

Formal Qualifications

This position requires the occupant to perform statutory legal functions, including conducting mediations and case management. Therefore, legal qualifications and admission as a practitioner of the High Court and/or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia is essential.

In addition, it is desirable for the applicant to:

- have considerable experience in civil litigation (including exposure to high level case management) in superior courts of Australia; and
- be accredited as a mediator with experience in conducting mediations.

Selection Criteria

1. More than five years’ experience in civil litigation, high-level case management and mediation.
2. A detailed understanding, or ability to acquire such knowledge quickly, of the jurisdiction and practices and procedures of the Federal Court.
3. Experience working with unrepresented litigants, vulnerable individuals and/or the community legal sector.
4. Excellent analytical and legal skills and demonstrated ability to critically evaluate large volumes of information and make sound judgments in a high-pressure workplace.
5. The ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively, prioritise matters appropriately, and work autonomously.
6.



Well-developed communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and to build and sustain positive relationships with a network of key stakeholders internally and externally.

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 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 [email protected].

For more information contact Michael Buckingham, Judicial Registrar, at [email protected].

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

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 course of their employment.
3. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

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 The Federal Court of 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.

The Federal Court of 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.

📌 Judicial Registrar (Litigants in Person and Pro Bono) (Brisbane)
🏢 Federal Court of Australia
📍 Brisbane