Legal Associate to the Honourable Justice McNab
Job Description
Agency Overview
The Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar of the Federal Court, together with officers and staff identified under the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 and the Native Title Act 1993, constitute a single Statutory Agency for the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999. Employees are engaged 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.
Employees are covered by the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027
The Federal Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court each maintain a distinct statutory identity, with separate functions and judicial independence.
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 primary role of Legal Associates is to support and assist judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1), which is a Federal Court of superior record that exercises jurisdiction exclusively in Family Law.
Legal Associates assist in researching cases, points of law, preparing matters for hearing and other related matters for judges sitting at first instance and/or in Appeals. 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.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
The occupant of this position:
• provides research assistance to judicial officers.
• Day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries.
• 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 and day-to-day running of chambers.
Qualifications
It is a mandatory that candidates have completed a qualification in law with a strong academic record.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated legal research, analysis and drafting skills underpinned by good attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to prepare briefing materials, well-drafted correspondence and case summaries.
- Problem solving skills and the ability to evaluate a large volume of information quickly and to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Initiative to work autonomously and take responsibility for progressing work while also being able to work collaboratively, build and maintain positive professional relationships and deal appropriately with sensitive and confidential information.
- Demonstrated proficiency with technology, including the use of electronic legal resources and the ability to learn and use the Court’s case management systems.
- The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
- A high standard of ethical behaviour.
- Sound organisational skills including 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.
- Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of Family Court functions, the organisation, practices, procedures and terminology.
- Ability to travel when required.
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 disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
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.
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]
Contact Officer
For more information please contact Rachelle Lombardo, Judicial Services Team Leader via telephone 0447 248 599 or email [email protected]
