Magistrates Associate

Magistrates’ Associates are employed by the Courts Administration Authority (CAA) and report to the Deputy Director, Court Services.

The positions are primarily based at the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Magistrates’ Associates must not engage in any other employment or practise in any profession, whether for remuneration or otherwise, without the permission of the Deputy Director, Court Services.

When a position becomes available it will be advertised on iworkfor.sa.gov.au, applications can only be made during period of the advertisement.  Successful applicants may be offered a 12-month contract, with an appropriate probationary period, the contract may be extended.

A Bachelor of Laws degree is required to become a Magistrates’ Associate. The following classification levels apply:

• JUA1 – Un-admitted practitioner
• JUA2 – Admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of South Australia (i.e. successful completion of a Graduate Diploma or Certificate in Legal Practice)
• JUA3 – A minimum of one year’s practising experience as a legal practitioner after admission in the State of South Australia.

One year’s practising experience may include:
a) time employed as a legal practitioner at a law firm or government department;
b) time spent working as an Associate after admission; or
c) a combination of (a) and (b).

Time spent employed as a legal practitioner will only count toward the one year’s practising experience where the person held a valid practising certificate in South Australia. Evidence of practising experience must be provided, including a copy of the practising certificate and a letter from the previous employer confirming the duration of employment. Time spent as a clerk at a law firm, government department or chambers does not count toward the required practising experience.

For information on admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia, please refer to the Law Society of South Australia website.

Please do not send applications direct to Magistrates or court staff. Applications for Magistrates’ Associate positions are advertised when they become available via iworkfor.sa.gov.au

Details of what applications should include and how to apply will be in the advertisement.  Examples of what may be required include:

• a resume & cover letter.
• qualifications and/or academic transcript (including where studies are ongoing); and
• the contact details of two referees.

Upon admission, a copy of the practising certificate must be provided. Appointment is subject to a National Police Certificate that the CAA finds satisfactory.

For further information, please contact Court Services Administration on (08) 8204 0720