The Federal Court offers a number of associate positions each year. Associates are employed as part of the personal chambers staff of a particular judge. They provide legal research, in-court duties and other support for that judge.
Associate positions are generally not advertised and the selection of associates is conducted directly by the judge(s).
Generally, associates are employed at the Federal Court Staff 5 level on a non-ongoing, contract basis for up to 12 months, usually commencing early in the law term, but may also be engaged at other times throughout the year. Conditions of service are generally as that for other Court staff. Other general information on employment at the Court is available in the Information Package for Prospective Applicants.
How do I apply for an Associate position?
To apply for an associate position you need to:
Decide in which Court registry you would like to be considered for work;
Prepare curriculum vitae including an Academic Transcript and a general application. You should also indicate if there are particular availability periods when you wish to be considered for employment.
Forward your application directly to the judge or to the District Registrar in the appropriate registry. Address details are available at the 'contact the Court' page of this website.
If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by the judge or registry concerned.
Research Assistant positions
In October 2006, the Court formally established a national Research Directorate comprising a number of Research Assistants located in its various registries and working under the guidance of the Director of Research.
Research Assistants perform research for judges nationally on legal issues relevant to the Court’s broad jurisdiction, and assist with the drafting and proofing of judgments.
Research Assistants are employed at the Federal Court Staff 5 level on a non-ongoing, contract basis for up to 12 months. General information on employment at the Court is available in the Information Package for Prospective Applicants.
How do I apply for a Research Assistant position?
Positions are advertised on the Court’s website on the Current Vacancies page.
Selection criteria:
Legal qualification at honours level and/or postgraduate qualification to the satisfaction of the Director of Research
High level legal research skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills
Well developed interpersonal and liaison skills
Strong administrative and organisational skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Publications preferred
If you wish to express interest in a position, please forward a covering letter (outlining your interest in the role) accompanied by your curriculum vitae and a copy of your academic transcript via email to liza.rybak@fedcourt.gov.au, or addressed to:
Dr Liza Rybak
Director of Research
Federal Court of Australia
Level 16, Law Courts Building
Queens Square
Sydney NSW 2000
You should indicate in which Registry you would like to be considered for work. Research Assistants are located in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Applications will be kept on file for a period of 12 months.
