Litigant In Person and Pro Bono Coordinator A significant proportion of matters in the Federal Court of Australia involve litigants in person (LIPs). There are practice areas, such as migration, where the prevalence of LIPs is particularly high. As lay users of the court, LIPs face challenges with the preparation and articulation of their case. LIPs also present challenges to the Court in relation to their understanding of Court practice and procedure and of the limitations on the level of assistance that the Court can provide.
The Court has specific duties in relation to LIPs. The Court must ensure that a LIP is given a fair and reasonable opportunity to present their case. This includes the provision of information about Court practice and procedure. This invariably means that matters involving LIPs require careful case management involving Judges, Registrars and Registry staff.
To address the particular needs of LIPs, the Court is in the process of developing an LIP Strategic Plan, aimed at implementing a more structured whole-of-institution approach for the work of the Court that involves LIPs. This includes facility for the referral of LIPs to pro bono legal assistance where warranted.
Together with the Judges of the Court, the Litigant In Person Registrar has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Court's LIP Strategic Plan and pro bono referral program. The Litigant In Person and Pro Bono Coordinators will perform a key role in operationalising and implementing the Court's LIP Strategic Plan and pro bono referral program.
Major Activities SUPPORT THE LITIGANT IN PERSON STRATEGY Working directly with Judges and Registrars to implement whole-of-institution strategies for the sound management of matters involving LIPs. Documenting processes, practices and procedures in relation to matters involving LIPs. Assisting the LIP Registrar with developing and maintaining written and other resources to assist Judges and Registrars with case management of matters involving LIPs. Providing support to Judges and Registrars in matters involving LIPs, including communication and correspondence with parties. Assisting Judges and Registrars with the assessment of compliance with Court Rules, policies and procedures in specific matters, and ensuring whole-of-institution consistency. Developing and implementing systems and processes for the collation, monitoring and analysis of data regarding matters involving LIPs and the nature and extent of issues that have ramifications for the sound management of the Court's work. Coordinating, and assisting with, training and education of Court staff in relation to the effective management of matters involving LIPs. SUPPORT THE PRO BONO REFERRAL PROGRAM Working directly with Judges and Registrars to establish protocols for assessing matters for suitability for pro bono referral. Liaising with legal aid and community legal aid organisations and the legal profession regarding pro bono assistance. Assisting Registrars with the development and delivery of external outreach and education for the legal profession and broader community in relation to migration pro bono work. OTHER KEY FUNCTIONS Assisting Registrars with determinations in relation to delegated judicial functions including entering orders, conducting case management hearings and conferences, and matters such as costs orders and fee waivers. Liaising with key stakeholders internally (including Judges, Registrars, chambers staff and registry staff) and externally (including the legal profession and parties), on a range of matters, as required. Ensuring that information about each matter is accurate and up to date on the Court's case management system and for reporting purposes. This role would suit an individual with legal qualifications who has:
Experience in communicating and interacting with LIPs; An understanding of the nature of matters before courts involving LIPs and the challenges faced by both LIPs and courts in relation to such matters; An understanding, or ability to acquire such knowledge quickly, of the jurisdiction and practices and procedures of the Court. To undertake this role the successful candidate should demonstrate:
Well-developed legal research, analysis and drafting skills; Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy; Excellent oral and written communication skills, good interpersonal skills, appropriate presentation for court work and the ability to appropriately deal with sensitive and confidential information; An understanding of the jurisdiction and practice and procedure of the FCA, or the ability to acquire such knowledge quickly; Initiative to work autonomously and take responsibility for progressing work, whilst also being able to work collaboratively, as required; The ability to evaluate a large volume of information quickly and to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively; The ability to perform the administrative functions of the role efficiently; Formal Qualifications Applicants for this role must have a law degree.
Selection Criteria Formal qualifications and experience in litigation, particularly in matters involving LIPs. Knowledge of the Court's jurisdiction, practices and procedures, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge. Developed legal research, analysis and drafting skills underpinned by good attention to detail and accuracy. Problem solving skills and the ability to evaluate a large volume of information quickly and to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively. The ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively, including an ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships and deal appropriately with sensitive and confidential information. Contact Officer For more information, confidential enquiries can be made to Simon Haag, Judicial Registrar - Migration, at ******.
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. 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.
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