Associate to the Chief Magistrate – Chief Magistrate's Office
Location: Sydney
Employment Type: Temporary full-time (12-month contract)
Salary: from $99,938 to $110,271p.a. plus employer superannuation and annual leave loading.
Your role
Support the Chief Magistrate and the efficient operation of the Local Court by providing administrative and in‐court support.
A key element of the role is researching legal issues and trends for the Chief Magistrate.
You'll manage sensitive information with discretion and assist the Chief Magistrate with stakeholder interactions and communicating with other judicial officers.
What you'll do
You'll work as part of a small, professional team supporting statewide Local Court operations in a fast‐paced, service‐focused environment
Accurately review and provide research for judicial decisions and orders in JusticeLink
Assist Deputy Chief Magistrates as required
Provide in‐court support (including managing exhibits and courtroom technology) and executive support in chambers
Release judgments in line with court and chambers policy; prepare correspondence and documents.
You will also liaise with legal practitioners, litigants, registry staff and other stakeholders, coordinate travel and logistics, in collaboration with other staff in the Chief Magistrate's Office
What we're looking for
Law degree (or be in your final year of completing an Australian Law Degree) with a sound understanding of legal terminology and courtroom practice.
Confident, respectful communicator who can build rapport and provide clear information to diverse audiences under time pressure.
Able to prioritise competing deadlines, stay composed under pressure and adapt to changing court requirements.
Strong typing/data entry skills and confidence using courtroom technology.
Flexibility to undertake some outside business hours work.
Ability to communicate with discretion and appropriately manage sensitive matters.
Pre‐employment checks may include reference checks and a National Criminal History Check; some roles may also require a Working with Children Check.
Download the Role Description
To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the 'Apply now' button.
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply - you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.
What We Offer
We offer a variety of benefits, including:
· A challenging and rewarding career
· Flexible, autonomous work environment
· Competitive pay and conditions
· Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
· Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.
Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.
Work that really matters.
The New South Wales Local Court has the largest number of judicial officers in a summary jurisdiction in Australia. Under the direction of the Chief Magistrate, the staff of the Chief Magistrate's Office provide state-wide administrative support to magistrates and acting magistrates.
Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.
How to apply
Click apply, and upload:
* Your Resume (maximum 5 pages) and
* A cover letter (up to 2 pages) addressing your fit for the role and capabilities.
During the online application process, you will be asked to provide a response to the following pre-screening question:
Describe two or three strengths that would make you a strong Associate, and where have you demonstrated these strengths in a legal or similar environment? (maximum 500-word response)
Applications close 12th March 2026 11:59pm.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it's like to work for The Chief Magistrate's Office, please contact Yasmin Hunter on 0411 136 347 or at
If you have any questions about the application process or would like to request a recruitment adjustment (for example submitting your application in a different format), please call Dean on 02 9765 3526 or email the recruiter
Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.
Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit.
We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.
To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.
For more information visit Your recruitment journey on the DCJ website.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
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