LEGAL ASSOCIATE
APS LEVEL 4
$63,197 - $66,499 plus superannuation
NON-ONGOING* / FULL TIME
POSITION NUMBER: 1194
SYDNEY
*This is a non-ongoing opportunity for a period of 12 months with possible extensions for periods of up
to 3 years. A merit pool may be created from this recruitment action which may be used to fill future
non-ongoing vacancies for the next 12 months.
Please note: Applicants must be available for interview on 22 December 2015 if short-listed.
Notified in the APS Employment Gazette:
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Closing date for applications:
Thursday, 17 December 2015 (11:55PM)
Expected Date of Commencement:
Monday, 18 January 2016
Once you have read the information about the duties of this position, please contact
Ms Maryrose Portelli on (02) 9217 7339 if you have any questions.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
Please include with your application:
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The Family Court and Federal Circuit Court Job Application Coversheet - this is located
on our website: www.familycourt.gov.au
A comprehensive statement of claims against the selection criteria
(Maximum 3 pages)
An up to date resume detailing your skills and work history
Certified copies of relevant qualifications
Please Note: Receipt of email applications will be acknowledged, however mailed or faxed applications will not.
Please submit your application to:
Email:
Postal Address:
Fax:
fcoajob1194@familycourt.gov.au
Attention: Recruitment Officer
Human Resources
Family Court & Federal Circuit Court
GPO Box 9991
CANBERRA ACT 2601
(02) 6243 5680
Please Note: Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted without prior approval. Please advise in
writing or email if you decide to withdraw from the selection process.
The Family Court and Federal Circuit Court is an equal opportunity employer.
‘One APS Career… Thousands of Opportunities’
APS Level 4 – Legal Associate
Position Description and Selection Criteria
OVERVIEW
The Family Court and the Federal Circuit Court administration was established from 1 July
2013 for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Court staff are employed by this agency under the Public Service Act 1999. The Family Court
and Federal Circuit Court administration provides services for clients in family law across both
the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. This includes filing in
family law, as well as records management, administrative support and dispute resolution
services to assist in the finalisation of disputes. Registry services may include case
management, records management, court services and administrative support to assist judicial
officers to resolve disputes.
The Federal Circuit Court manages the higher volume of family law cases while the Family
Court manages the most complex disputes and is the Court of Appeal.
Further information is available on the courts’ websites:
www.familycourt.gov.au
www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Legal associates assist with researching cases, points of law, preparing matters for hearing
including other related matters for first instance judges and of the Court. 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, when required.
Legal associates primarily provide assistance to two designated judges but may be asked to
assist other judges if the need arises. Some travel may be required.
IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF POSITION
The person appointed to this position is expected to perform all aspects of his or her duties so
as to:
 satisfy all relevant statutory obligations
 satisfy the APS Values and Code of Conduct
 contribute to and support achievement of the Courts’ Strategic and Business Plans
 operate within the Courts’ policies and procedural guidelines, and
 support and contribute to the Courts’ Service Charter.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF POSITION
The occupant of this position:
 provides research assistance to judicial officers
 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, if required,
and provides assistance by updating chambers loose leaf series, and
 assists with the general operation of chambers, when required.
Reviewed
July 2013
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
A legal associate reports to the Regional Coordinating Judge (or in some cases the Case
Management Judge) initially through the Team Leader Judicial Support/Court Services
Manager for general administrative matters and day to day operations with the Principal
Registrar responsible for professional development and training.
Reviewed
July 2013
SELECTION CRITERIA
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ability to undertake research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written
correspondence.
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.
Ability to operate computer-based equipment and associated word processing and other
software.
Knowledge, or ability to acquire knowledge, of Family Court functions, the organisation,
practices, procedures and terminology.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Completion of a qualification in law.
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Strong academic results and completion of the subject Family Law.
Reviewed
July 2013