Employment as an Associate

Associates provide support to a particular judge both in and out of court. They perform in-court duties and record keeping, undertake editing and legal research, liaise with parties, and provide clerical support and other general assistance. The position is suited to individuals who have recently completed a law degree. It provides a unique opportunity to work closely with a judge in the highest court in the Australian Capital Territory’s jurisdiction.

Current Opportunities

Judges' Associates

The Supreme Court of the ACT generally advertises associate positions on its website and/or elsewhere when they become available.  The Court accepts applications for associate positions on a rolling basis and expressions of interest are invited well in advance of the starting date.  These applications are kept on a register and are considered when positions are advertised. Expressions of interest entered on the register will be current for one year from the date of receipt. Applicants may request to update, resubmit, or remove their application from the register.

Successful applicants are generally engaged on a 12-month contract. Some chambers employ associates with the intention that the associate will continue for an additional year as senior associate.

How to apply:

For advertised positions, applicants should follow the instructions outlined in the expression of interest circular.

Applicants who would like to have their name placed on the associate register should email the Chambers Manager, Philippa Swayn, at SC.ChambersManager@courts.act.gov.au and the associates to the Chief Justice at Associate.McCallumCJ@courts.act.gov.au, with the following attachments:

  • A one-page cover letter, including the time in which you may be available to commence an associateship;
  • Academic record; and
  • Concise resume, including the contact details of three referees.

All applications and supporting documents should be a Word file or a text searchable PDF. If applicants wish to be considered for a position in a specific chambers, this should be noted in their cover letter.

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