Courts Administration Authority
Job reference: 843713
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Job Opportunity: District Court Associate recruitment pool

 

The District Court of South Australia invites applications from suitably qualified early-career legal professionals to join the District Court Associate recruitment pool.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be placed in a recruitment pool for a period of 12 months. As positions become available, candidates may be offered appointment as a District Court Associate on up to a two-year contract, subject to a nine-month probationary period. During the associateship, associates will have the opportunity to work with multiple District Court Judges based in Adelaide, typically through allocations of approximately 6 months.

The role of District Court Associate provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in court processes and to apply legal training to the operational requirements of the Court by working directly with Judges of the District Court. Associates gain first-hand exposure to court procedure, judicial decision-making and chambers practice, while developing strong legal research, writing and professional communication skills.

As a District Court Associate, you will provide legal and administrative assistance, both in and out of court, to a Judge of the District Court. You will liaise with the judiciary, legal practitioners, litigants, witnesses, court staff and the general public to ensure the effective and efficient management of court and chambers matters.

Associates are employed by the Courts Administration Authority (CAA) and report to the Principal Registrar, Higher Courts, through the Manager of Associates.

Requirements:

To be a successful applicant, you will have:

• A Bachelor of Laws Degree.
• Understanding of practices and principles of the courts system and the philosophies relating to the administration of justice.
• Personal maturity, resilience, confidence and appropriate demeanour to perform functions in court.
• Ability to proficiently use a variety of IT software and hardware in a dynamic environment.
• Outstanding communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to clearly express and present ideas.
• Confidentiality, discretion and tact suitable for dealing with sensitive court material.

Special Conditions:

• Appointments are generally offered as a two-year contract, with a nine month probationary period.
• Associates may not engage in any other employment or practice in any profession, whether for remuneration or not, without the permission of the Registrar.
• Appointment is under the Courts Administration Act 1993. Terms and Conditions of employment are governed by the Public Sector Act 2009.
• Some out of hours work will be required and may extend beyond normal office hours.
• You may be required to undertake work related intra-state travel, which may require driving a motor vehicle. Travel to attend country circuits may be necessary and will require overnight absences for up to one month with capacity to return to Adelaide on weekends.
• Appointment is dependent upon a current National Police Certificate that the CAA finds satisfactory.
• As a justice agency, the CAA may receive details of spent convictions as part of any Criminal History Screening and use this information in the selection process.

Notes:

• Applications may be reviewed by the Chief Judge and Judges of the District Court.
• The District Court handles matters and material of a confronting nature. Prospective applicants may like to review District Court Sentencing remarks to gain transparency regarding the nature of content associated with the role of a District Court Associate. Visit the following link: District Court Sentencing remarks.

Remuneration:
JUA1 ($65,946), JUA2 ($71,589), JUA3 ($73,807)

• For appointment at the JUA1 level: un-admitted practitioner
• For appointment at the JUA2 level: admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of South Australia (ie successful completion of a Graduate Diploma or Certificate in Legal Practice)
• For appointment at the JUA3 level: a minimum of one year's practising experience as a legal practitioner after being admitted to practice in the State of South Australia.

Enquiries:
Principal Registrar, Higher Courts
Email: enquiries.hcregistrar@courts.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions:

• Your cover letter should be no more than two pages, and address the selection criteria in the Job Profile.
• A Pre-Employment Declaration form, plus a current National Police Certificate and a copy of your most recent academic transcript should be submitted at the time of applying.
• All applications must be submitted online via IWorkforSA. Please refer to the CAA Applicant Kit and attach your resume and cover letter as a single Word Document or PDF document.
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview, with successful interviewees appointed as positions become available.
• The CAA is committed to creating a workforce which reflects the wider community, as well as providing a working environment which embraces and values diversity and inclusion.  We encourage and welcome applications from individuals across diverse community groups and are committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment process and workplace. People with a disability are encouraged to apply.

For further information about the CAA please visit the CAA website.

Applications close: 07/05/2027 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Associate Job Profile 2025.pdf
- CAA Applicant Kit 2023.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.