Construction work affecting access to the courts. Read more here.

Associate to the Chief Justice of the
ACT Supreme Court

Chambers of the Honourable Chief Justice McCallum

Chief Justice McCallum of the ACT Supreme Court is seeking applications for positions as an associate to commence in January/July 2026.

Expression of Interest -
Chief Justice McCallum June 2025 - closes 5pm on 30 June 2025

Primary duties

  • Assisting judge as directed in and out of court
  • Assisting with legal and general research
  • Managing files in chambers
  • Liaising with registry staff, members of the profession, parties and the general public
  • Proof-reading judgments.

Essential qualifications

  • Law degree (at or near completion before employment commences)
  • Strong academic record and legal research skills
  • Excellent written skills and attention to detail in written work
  • Strong oral communication skills and ability to communicate effectively at all levels
  • Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
  • Capacity to work well within a small, close team
  • General proficiency in technology and ability to learn and operate court-related technology.

Desirable qualifications

  • Demonstrated commitment to justice and the rule of law
  • Interest in advocacy
  • Some experience in legal practice.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a one-page cover letter, transcript of academic record and a concise resume including names and contact details of three referees to both EA.ChiefJustice@courts.act.gov.au and Associate.McCallumCJ@courts.act.gov.au by 5pm on 30 June 2025..

  • All applications and supporting documents should be a Word file or a text searchable PDF.
  • Please include which intake period you are applying for in your cover letter.

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 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.

More Information