Each year a number of law graduates are appointed as Associates to Judges of the District Court, these positions provide an opportunity to gain experience with the court process by working directly with Judges of the District Court.
The Associate provides legal and administrative assistance in and out of court to a Judge of the District Court. They liaise with the judiciary, legal profession, litigants, witnesses, court staff and the general public to ensure the effective and efficient processing of court and chamber matters.
- The Associate is employed by the CAA and reports to the Principal Registrar, Higher Courts through the manager.
- There will be opportunity to attend on District Court criminal circuits which requires travel and overnight absences for up to four weeks, with capacity to return to Adelaide on weekends.
- Associates may not engage in any other employment or practice in any profession, whether for remuneration or not, without the permission of the Registrar.
- District Court appointments are generally for a one-year contract, with the option of a second year, subject to agreement.
A Bachelor of Laws degree is required to become a Judge’s Associate. The following levels apply:
- For appointment at the JUA1 level – un-admitted practitioner;
- For appointment at the JUA2 level – admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of South Australia (i.e. 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 practise in the State of South Australia. One year’s practising experience as a legal practitioner may include:
- a) time spent employed as a legal practitioner at a law firm, or government department (e.g. the Crown or the DPP); or
- b) time spent working as an associate after the associate has been admitted; or
- c) a combination of (a) and (b)) 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 the State of South Australia. Evidence of practising experience must be provided, by way of a copy of the practising certificate together with a letter from the previous employer confirming the duration of your employment. One year’s practising experience as a legal practitioner may not include time spent as a clerk at a law firm, government department or chambers.
For information on admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia please view the Law Society website.
Please do not send individual applications to each Judge. Applications for associate positions within the District Court can be emailed, or posted to:
Attn: Office of the Principal Registrar, Higher Courts
District Court of South Australia
GPO Box 2465
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Please include your resume, qualifications and academic record and two referees. Upon admittance, a copy of your Certificate must be provided.
Appointment is subject a National Police Certificate that the CAA finds satisfactory.
If you require further information, please contact the Manager of Projects and Reform, Higher Courts on 08 8204 0401
