Associate

Job Description

Agency Overview

The Federal Court of Australia entity is the administrative organisation that engages employees under the Public Service Act 1999 to work in support of one or more of the following courts or Tribunal:

Federal Court of Australia,
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and
National Native Title Tribunal.
The Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Act 2016 established the Federal Court entity however, each court continues to maintain its distinct statutory identity, with separate functions and judicial independence.

Employees are covered by the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027.

Jurisdiction

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia commenced on 1 September 2021 when the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (FCFCOA Act) came into effect.

The Court comprises two divisions: Division 1 (a continuation of the Family Court of Australia) which deals only with family law matters; and Division 2 (a continuation of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia) which deals with family law, migration and other general federal law matters.

The overarching purpose of the family law practice and procedure provisions as outlined in the FCFCOA Act is to facilitate the just resolution of disputes according to law; and as quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible.

In family law cases, if it is safe to do so, parties will be encouraged to engage with dispute resolution opportunities before, and throughout, the Court process. For the cases that need to proceed to a trial before a judge, the Court will provide a safe, fair and modern system of justice. The Court’s aim over time is to resolve more than 90 per cent of family law matters within 12 months to reduce the time, cost and stress associated with litigation.

In the general federal law and migration jurisdictions, the Court continues to ensure that justice is delivered effectively and efficiently through the enhanced use of technology and centralised case management processes.

The Court is Australia’s largest federal court. It is a national court and places significant focus on delivering access to justice to people living in regional areas. The Court sits in all capital cities, selected major regional centres and circuits to a number of regional locations.

Purpose of position

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

Important Functions

The person appointed to this position is expected to carry out his or her duties so as to:

Satisfy all relevant statutory obligations
Satisfy the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct
Contribute to and support achievement of the Court’s Strategic and Business Plans
Operate within the Court’s policies and procedural guidelines, and
Support and contribute to the Court’s Service Charter
Key Responsibilities and Duties

Day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
Supervise the work of the deputy associate.
Assist the Judge to manage the docket by preparing and managing matters waiting for hearing.
Ensure the court’s case management system is up-to-date and assist the Judge in the preparation of orders and typing of judgments.
Maintain court related relationships with various external stakeholders.
Contribute to organisational forums working for better working practices.
Other duties as required.
Qualifications

It is a mandatory that candidates have completed (or near completed) a qualification in law with a strong academic record.

Selection Criteria

Strong communication (oral and written) and liaison skills and the ability to communicate with people of all levels.
Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications and the internet.
The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
Tolerance, diligence and the ability to work as a member of a small team.
A high standard of ethical behaviour.

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 course of their employment.
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

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Michelle Thornley via telephone 02 8067 2252 or email [email protected]

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 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.

If you have any issues with applying, please email [email protected]

Application Close: Monday 26 January 2026, at 11:30 pm (AEST)

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