APS 4 - Deputy Associate to Judge Kaur-Bains

Position Overview
This Deputy Associate position is for an upcoming vacancy in the Chambers of Judge Kaur-Bains.  

The Deputy Associate is part of a small team who assist the Judge in the day-to-day management of Chambers and Court. This role also assists with the preparation of materials for the Judge and involves undertaking legal research and assisting with judgment preparation as required.  

Please note that her Honour sits predominantly in general federal law, including migration and other administrative law review, bankruptcy, human rights and industrial law, while also hearing some matters in family law.  

Position Duties 

• Assist in the conduct of Court proceedings, including the transcription of orders, ensuring the orderly conduct of matters and general Courtroom management;
• Assist her Honour’s Associate in the day-to-day management of Chambers including responding to enquiries and as required, managing the Associate inbox on behalf of the Judge and appropriate correspondence with litigants and their representatives;
• Undertake legal research as required by the Judge, including identifying relevant legislation, summarising key legal authorities and preparation and maintenance of legal research materials;
• Assist the Judge and Associate with the management of cases and as required, enter data into the Court’s case management systems to reflect the outcomes of Court events;
• Assist with the preparation of matters, which may include the preparation of case summaries, general file maintenance and other tasks as required;
• Assist the Judge with the preparation and delivery of judgments, which may include undertaking complex legal research as well as editing in line with the Courts’ judgments publication standards;
• Assist with the general operation of Chambers; and
• Other duties, as required.

Qualifications
It is mandatory that candidates have completed a qualification in law with a strong academic record.  

Selection Criteria 

1. Well-developed interpersonal skills including tact, discretion, initiative and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with an array of stakeholders including members of the judiciary, the legal profession, the public and other Court staff.
2. Attention to detail.   
3. Ability to undertake legal research (including on-line research) and prepare reports and written correspondence.
4. Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure and in a team environment.
5. Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications.
6. The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities and participate in collective work practices.
7. The ability to travel on circuit if required.

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Dylan Collingwood, Judicial Services Team Leader, via telephone (02) 9184 5*** or email ***************@fcfcoa.gov.au. 

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 (maximum word limit 1500), a copy of your academic transcript and an example of relevant written work completed in an academic or professional setting.  

Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application. 

If you have any issues with applying, please email ***********@fedcourt.gov.au 

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.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
Candidates may use AI tools to assist with their participation in this recruitment process unless otherwise advised. 

Where AI tools are used, candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is transparent, accurate, and genuinely reflects their own skills, capabilities, and experience.
For more information, see: Principles for candidate use of AI in Recruitment 

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

Applications Close: Monday, 7 September at 11:30 pm (AEST)

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