Courts Administration Authority
Job reference: 666925
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Job Opportunity: District Court Associate recruitment pool

The District Court is inviting applications for the District Court Associate recruitment pool. Successful applicants will remain within the pool for 12 months and will be considered for a one-year contract as positions become available with one of the 22 District Court Judges based in Adelaide.

The position of Associate is a highly sought-after opportunity for recent law graduates to gain invaluable experience in a court environment, whilst working directly with Judges of the court. These positions provide a unique insight into the behind the scenes working of the courts while building sound knowledge of court rules, processes and procedures. As an Associate, you will have the chance to further advance your legal research skills and expand your professional network, preparing you for the next stage of your legal career.

As an Associate, you will provide legal and administrative clerical assistance in and out of court to a Judge of the District Court. You will 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. 

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, with the ability to clearly express and present ideas.
• Confidentiality, discretion and tact suitable for dealing with sensitive court material.

Special Conditions:

• Appointments are generally for a one-year contract, with the option of a second year, subject to agreement.
• 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 is 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 ($60,931), JUA2 ($67,589), JUA3 ($69,807)

• 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:
Manager - Associates, District Court
Jessica Capogreco
Ph: (08) 8204 0241
Email: Jessica.Capogreco@courts.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 copy of your most recent academic transcript should be submitted at the time of applying.
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview, with successful interviewees appointed as positions become available.

For further information about the CAA please visit the CAA website

Applications close: 03/05/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Associate, Higher Courts Division - JUA-`1, JUA-2, JUA-3 - Job Profile.pdf
- CAA Applicant Kit 2023 (PDF).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.