[Hiring] Senior Judicial Registrar @Federal Court of Australia

Role Description

This role has a particular focus on the Court’s Litigants in Person (LIP) and Pro Bono work. A growing number of matters in the Court involve LIPs, who face challenges with the preparation and articulation of their case. LIPs also present challenges to the Court regarding their understanding of Court practice and procedure. The Court must ensure that LIPs are given a fair and reasonable opportunity to present their case, which includes the provision of information about Court practice and procedure. Matters involving LIPs require careful case management by Judges, Registrars, and Registry staff.

To address the particular needs of LIPs, the Court has developed an LIP Strategic Plan which implements a structured whole-of-institution approach for the work of the Court that involves LIPs. Together with the Judges of the Court, the Senior Judicial Registrar (SJR) (LIP and Pro Bono) has responsibility for the implementation of the Strategic Plan and pro bono referral program. This includes:

• Representing the Court in various external forums
• Developing close working relationships with legal aid and community legal centres and other third parties such as universities
• Overseeing and maintaining the collation, monitoring, and analysis of data on the Court’s LIP and Pro Bono work

The SJR (LIP and Pro Bono) is a key national leadership position. Responsibilities include:

• Leading, coordinating, and managing the Court’s expanding LIP and Pro Bono team nationally
• Performing a leadership, management, and mentoring role for Judicial Registrars and legal and other support staff at a local and national level
• Coordinating induction, training, and education sessions for Judges, Registrars, and other Court staff regarding the effective management of matters involving LIPs and vulnerable litigants

Additionally, the SJR (LIP and Pro Bono) undertakes all functions of a Judicial Registrar at a technically advanced level, including:

• Performing the statutory duties, powers, and functions of a registrar pursuant to the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) and other legislative instruments
• Performing delegated judicial functions
• Conducting technically complex mediations
• Undertaking case management of matters
• Presiding in Court, including in determining complex interlocutory disputes
• Exercising strategic organisational leadership through various national committees
• Performing other duties as required or directed

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in complex civil litigation
• A thorough understanding of high-level case management and complex mediations
• A detailed understanding of the jurisdiction and practices and procedures of the Court
• A proven ability to:
  • Undertake high-level analytical and legal work and critically evaluate a large volume of information in a high-pressure environment
  • Exercise independent judgement in line with the expectations of a senior leader within the APS
  • Manage multiple responsibilities effectively and prioritise matters appropriately
  • Build and sustain positive relationships with a network of key stakeholders internally and externally
• A proven ability to lead, manage, and mentor senior and junior staff at a local and national level
• A comprehensive understanding of the nature of matters before courts involving LIPs and the challenges faced by both LIPs and courts

Requirements

• Legal qualifications and admission as a practitioner of the High Court and/or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia is essential
• Desirable to be accredited as a mediator with experience in conducting mediations

Selection Criteria

• Shapes Strategic Thinking
  • Inspires a sense of purpose and direction
  • Focuses strategically
  • Harnesses information and recognises opportunities
  • Shows judgement, intelligence, and common sense
• Achieves Results
  • Builds organisational capability and responsiveness
  • Marshals professional expertise
  • Steers and implements change and deals with uncertainty
  • Ensures closure and delivers on intended results
• Exemplifies Personal Drive and Integrity
  • Demonstrates public service professionalism and probity
  • Engages with risk and shows personal courage
  • Commits to action
  • Displays resilience
  • Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development
• Cultivates Productive Working Relationships
  • Nurtures internal and external relationships
  • Facilitates cooperation and partnerships
  • Values individual differences and diversity
  • Guides, mentors, and develops people
• Communicates with Influence
  • Communicates clearly
  • Listens, understands, and adapts to different audiences
  • Negotiates persuasively

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. If you have any issues with applying, please email [email protected] .

To be considered, you will need to upload a concise expression of interest (2 page maximum) detailing how your experience and skills relate to the position description and selection criteria and attach a current resume.

Eligibility

• Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999
• 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

The Federal Court of 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
• Young workers

The Federal Court of 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.