Associate and Research Associate to the Hon Justice Katrina Banks-Smith 2026 Associate Positions – Federal Court of Australia (Perth Registry)
Associate positions
The Hon Justice Katrina Banks-Smith invites applications for two associate positions (Associate and Research Associate) at the Federal Court of Australia (Perth Registry) commencing 19 January 2026.
Associates are covered by the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027. Both positions are renumerated at the same level and the associates are expected to work collaboratively in providing support to the judge.
Unless an applicant specifies otherwise, applicants will be considered for both positions and need only apply once.
Position overview
The Associate provides high-level legal and administrative support, including communication with solicitors, counsel and litigants. Duties include undertaking specific legal tasks, proofing draft judgments and provision of in-court support. The Associate role also includes supporting their judge when working interstate, including travel as appropriate, and communicating with other chambers, registry and court staff.
The Research Associate provides legal and research support to their judge. Tasks include researching a broad range of legal issues, drafting research notes and proofing draft judgments. The Research Associate performs some of the tasks of the Associate when required.
These roles require articulate, energetic and resilient individuals who can build positive professional relationships.
Responsibilities
Provide legal support: Assist the judge with the conduct of court hearings; Assist the judge with the coordination and case management of matters, including organizing the judge's court sittings, listings, court materials and liaising with parties, as required; Undertake accurate, timely data entry and maintenance of all relevant information in the court systems, including the case management system in accordance with record keeping guidelines and the Court's information management policy; Carry out legal research, managing workloads appropriately to ensure that requests for legal research are responded to in an accurate and timely manner; Prepare case summaries of matters in the judge's docket based upon the nature and circumstances of the matter, the relevant legislation, practice and procedure and the rules of the Court; Proofread judgments and orders, including verifying citations; Assist with preparation of speeches and other papers. Provide administrative support: Organise the judge's court sittings, listings, diary and exhibits as required; Provide administrative assistance to the judge in court; Contact parties and monitor compliance with court orders; Work closely with the judge's other chambers staff and where required provide assistance with the administrative operations of the chambers. Maintain positive professional relationships: As the chambers contact point, maintain a high standard of service to and positive professional relationships with judges, the legal profession and other court users; Maintain positive professional relationships with court staff, including registrars, chambers and registry staff. The successful applicants will work to support a busy judge as part of a small Chambers team and will be expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and initiative, taking personal responsibility for progressing work. The successful applicants should also be adaptable to changing demands and understand the requirement to strictly maintain confidentiality.
Competencies and attributes
Applicants should possess the following attributes:
A law degree (completed as at January 2026); A strong record of academic achievement; A high level of organisation and administrative efficiency; Exceptional research and analytical skills; Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills; How to apply
Please review the Position Description and complete the application form on the Court's careers portal. The on-line application process includes the provision of a curriculum vitae, an academic statement and a statement addressing why an applicant wishes to be considered for the position.
If you have any issues with applying please email
Contact officer
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.
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 a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit:
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