APS 5 – Judicial Associate

Job Description

Position Overview

The position of judicial associate is responsible for providing a high level of administrative support to a judicial officer. Travel on circuit and judicial relief locations, both intra and interstate may be required.

The purpose of this position is to ensure:

that the judicial officer is able to conduct the business of the Court in a professional and efficient manner
the timely completion of all tasks associated with court hearings, and
to actively participate as a member of the judicial support team.
Major Activities

This role requires an individual who works well in a team environment. The position involves a number of competing priorities and therefore requires good organisational skills to meet these demands.

The position of Judicial Associate has regular and substantial contact with members of the judiciary, court staff, legal practitioners, clients and external agencies including:

liaison with client service / case coordination staff in respect to court files
liaison with legal practitioners and clients in respect of orders and judgments and the listing of matters before the judicial officer
liaison with external agencies including Legal Aid and the Australian Federal Police, and
liaison with the Team Leader Judicial Support in respect to the judicial court calendar, leave and travel approvals, and other judicial entitlements.
The major responsibilities of the Judicial Associate include:

attending court with the judicial officer, including circuit sittings, to provide administrative support to the judicial officer during all trials, pre-trials and duty lists
managing court files prior to and at the completion of trials to ensure that the files are maintained and up to date
providing a high level of administrative support to the judicial officer to ensure the prompt distribution of orders and judgments
entering data accurately into the Court’s case management and other information systems to reflect the workload of the judicial officer
making travel arrangements (flight bookings, accommodation reservations and car bookings) associated with circuit and relief sittings, and attendance at meetings and conferences
updating the judicial officer’s loose-leaf filing system to ensure that he/she has access to the most recent legislation and reference material
undertaking personal work as required by the judicial officer, and
providing assistance, if required, at conferences, functions and/or meetings to ensure that the respective event is conducted in a professional manner.
Selection Criteria

Knowledge of or ability to acquire knowledge of, Family Court functions, organisation, practices, procedures and terminology.
Demonstrated ability to undertake research, prepare reports and correspondence.
Demonstrated ability to operate computer-based equipment and associated software packages such as word processing, e-mail and spreadsheet applications. Possess proficient keyboard skills.
Demonstrated sound organisational skills, initiative, the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a team environment.
Well-developed personal skills, including tact, discretion and the ability to communicate effectively with members of the judiciary, the legal profession, the public and other court staff.
Contact Officer

For more information please contact Jessica Campbell, via (02) 8067 2190 or [email protected]

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