Senior Judicial Registrar

Job Description

This role sits within the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).

Position Overview 

The Courts are seeking highly capable candidates who are enthusiastic, driven and motivated to assist in achieving the Courts’ objectives and perform the key functions of a Senior Judicial Registrar role (or potentially the position of a blended Senior Judicial Registrar and Judicial Registrar role) in the Brisbane registry of the Courts.

Key responsibilities and duties of the position 

• Performing the delegated judicial functions at a high level, exercising delegated judicial power in family law matters in the FCFCOA (Division 1) and the FCFCOA (Division 2) pursuant to sections 98 and 254 of the FCFCOA Act, respectively and other legislative instruments;
• Carrying out delegated judicial functions locally and nationally by way of:
  presiding over Court hearings;
• carrying out high level and complex case management support for judges; and
• conducting various forms of high level and complex ADR in both property and parenting matters;
• Providing professional leadership to Judicial Registrars, including assisting to promote the professional development, mentoring and training of Judicial Registrars;
• Assisting the Courts with national operational matters in support of the Chief Justice and the CEO/PR, as may be required; and
• Liaising with relevant community, government and professional stakeholders.

Professional qualifications, competencies and experience 

Legal qualifications and admission as a practitioner of the High Court and/or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia are essential. Applicants should also have:

• a minimum of 7 years’ post admission experience;
• the ability to exercise delegated judicial powers and functions at a high level in family law matters in the FCFCOA (Division 1) and the FCFCOA (Division 2) pursuant to sections 98 and 254 of the FCFCOA Act, respectively, including the ability to preside over Court hearings and exercise judicial discretion;
• significant experience in the family law jurisdiction and related areas of law, including experience in parenting and financial matters;
• extensive experience in civil litigation in superior Courts of Australia, with a thorough understanding of litigation processes and strategies, including key steps in the high level case management of matters;
• a comprehensive understanding of ADR and negotiation frameworks generally, including how complex mediations and conciliations are undertaken. Training as a mediator with experience in conducting mediations, or experience participating in mediations or other dispute resolution processes, will be considered favourably;
• detailed knowledge and extensive understanding of relevant family law legislation, the jurisdiction of the FCFCOA (Division 1) and family law jurisdiction of the FCFCOA (Division 2), including the practices and procedures of both Courts;
• experience in leading and managing staff. Senior Judicial Registrars will have the ability to provide professional leadership to Judicial Registrars and Deputy Registrars and will lead through demonstrating their excellence in legal skills and their commitment to the Courts’ objectives and reforms;
• ability to identify and implement improved and innovative case management initiatives, and to participate in the development and implementation of national policies and procedures;
• a proven ability to:
• work autonomously and with the necessary authority and accountability in a senior managerial role;
• manage multiple responsibilities effectively and prioritise matters appropriately; and
• build and sustain positive relationships with a network of key stakeholders internally and externally.

Selection Criteria 

1. Shapes Strategic Thinking

Relevant capabilities include:

• Inspires a sense of purpose and direction
  Focuses strategically
  Harnesses information and recognises opportunities
  Shows judgement, intelligence and common sense.

Achieves Results 

Relevant capabilities include:

• Builds organisational capability and responsiveness
• Marshals professional expertise
• Steers and implements change and deals with uncertainty
• Ensures closure and delivers on intended results.

Exemplifies Personal Drive and Integrity

Relevant capabilities include:

• Demonstrates public service professionalism and probity
• Engages with risk and shows personal courage
• Commits to action
• Displays resilience
• Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development.

Cultivates Productive Working

Relationships Relevant capabilities include:

• Nurtures internal and external relationships
• Facilitates cooperation and partnerships
• Values individual differences and diversity
• Guides, mentors and develops people.

Communicates with Influence

Relevant capabilities include:

• Communicates clearly
• Listens, understands and adapts to different audiences
• Negotiates persuasively.

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
4. 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.

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 a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Recruitment Process

• To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. If you have any issues with applying, please email [email protected].
•  To be considered you will need to upload a concise expression of interest (2 page maximum) detailing how your experience and skills relate to the position description and selection criteria and attach a current resume.

Contact Officer 

For more information please contact Brigida Corte-Real via email [email protected] or on (07) 3052 4054.