Courts Administration Authority
Job reference: 848585
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Courts Administration Authority (CAA) is constituted by the Courts Administration Act 1993. The Act established the State Courts Administration Council as an administrative authority independent of control by executive government and to confer on the Council power to provide courts with the administrative facilities and services necessary for the proper administration of justice.

The Coroner’s Court is responsible for investigating reportable deaths under the Coroners Act 2003.  The Coroner’s Office provides a broad range of services to the community by investigating these deaths in order to identify serious and systemic safety issues while recognising the need to assist bereaved families to understand the coronial process.

The coronial jurisdiction is a sensitive and unique environment that requires adherence to the highest level of confidentiality. Staff working within this jurisdiction may be exposed to court evidence that at times will be graphic or disturbing.

Special Counsel Assisting is responsible for providing legal services to the State Coroner and Deputy State Coroners.  The primary duty of Counsel Assisting is to prepare and present coronial inquests, often in quick succession and occasionally in country areas.  Other aspects of the role include overseeing coronial investigations, providing advice on whether to hold an inquest into particular matters and engaging with bereaved families.

Essential:

• Experience in counsel work, involving witness examination, demonstrating highly developed advocacy skills and experience.
• Theoretical and practical understanding of criminal and/or civil litigation.
• Clear understanding of the coronial process and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to provide legal advice in an accurate and timely manner, while balancing competing interests such as court work.
• Highly developed communication skills at a professional level both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated experience in providing independent and impartial judgment.
• Thoroughness in research and presentation of issues, with strong attention to detail.
• A high degree of organisational ability and self-driven initiative.

Desirable:

• Experience in examination of expert witnesses.
• An understanding of medical terminology.
• Experience dealing with bereaved families in a sensitive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with voluminous materials in the preparation of litigation.

Requirement:

A Degree in Law (plus admitted Practitioner of the Supreme Court of South Australia and eligible to hold a practising certificate).

Special Conditions:

The following special conditions apply to this position:

• Appointment is under the Courts Administration Act 1993. Terms and Conditions of employment are governed by the Public Sector Act 2009.
• 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.
• Special Counsel Assisting must not hold a concurrent substantive position with the Crown Solicitor’s Office or any office which may provide, or be perceived to provide, a potential conflict of interest.
• Remuneration may be offered at the equivalent level to LEC5 ($160,141-$173,969).

Remuneration:

LE5 ($157,720 – $171,999 per annum + superannuation)

Enquiries:

Darren Evans, Special Counsel
Ph:  (08) 8204 0600
Email: Darren Evans

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted online via I Work for SA.
Please refer to the CAA Applicant Kit. Submit your resume and cover letter as a single document (Word or PDF format) addressing the selection criteria in the Job Profile.

For further information about the CAA please visit the CAA website

The CAA is committed to creating a workforce which reflects the wider community, as well as providing a working environment which embraces and value 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.

Applications close: 06/07/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- CAA Applicant Kit 2023.pdf
- Job Profile - Special Counsel Assisting State Coroner and Deputy State Coroners - June 2026.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.