APS 4 – Deputy Associate – FCFCOA

Family Law
Melbourne
April 5, 2022
Full Time
Application deadline closed.

Job Description

The Deputy Associate is part of a team who assist the Judge in the day-to-day management of Chambers and Court.  The role of the Deputy Associate is to assist the Associate and deputise for them when they are on leave or on circuit.

Jurisdiction

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia commenced on 1 September 2021 when the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (FCFCOA Act) came into effect.

The Court comprises two divisions: Division 1 (a continuation of the Family Court of Australia) which deals only with family law matters; and Division 2 (a continuation of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia) which deals with family law, migration and other general federal law matters.

The overarching purpose of the family law practice and procedure provisions as outlined in the FCFCOA Act is to facilitate the just resolution of disputes according to law; and as quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible.

In family law cases, if it is safe to do so, parties will be encouraged to engage with dispute resolution opportunities before, and throughout, the Court process. For the cases that need to proceed to a trial before a judge, the Court will provide a safe, fair and modern system of justice. The Court’s aim over time is to resolve more than 90 per cent of family law matters within 12 months to reduce the time, cost and stress associated with litigation.

In the general federal law and migration jurisdictions, the Court continues to ensure that justice is delivered effectively and efficiently through the enhanced use of technology and centralised case management processes.

The Court is Australia’s largest federal court. It is a national court and places significant focus on delivering access to justice to people living in regional areas. The Court sits in all capital cities, selected major regional centres and circuits to a number of regional locations.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Undertake the Court Officer role.
  • Assist the Associate in the day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries. Manage chambers in the absence of the Associate.
  • Assist the Associate in updating the Court’s case management system and the Judge in the preparation of orders and typing of judgments.
  • Undertake legal research as required by the Judge.
  • Other duties as required.

Selection Criteria

  1. Strong communication (oral and written) and liaison skills as well as the ability to communicate with people at all levels.
  2. Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage several processes at once.
  3. Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications and the Internet.
  4. The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities and participate in collective work practices.
  5. The ability to travel on circuits.
  6. Experience in a legal environment.

Other Requirements

  • Legal qualifications is desirable.
  • Ability to undertake legal research as required by the Judge.
  • The ability to travel on circuits as required.

Contact Officer

For more information please contact Venicia Godbee, Judicial Services Team Leader via telephone 0436 601 946 or email [email protected].

Applications close 15 April 2022.