Court and Tribunal Services
Salary:
Level 1, $65,728 - $74,951 per annum plus 12% superannuation (GOSGA) Level 3 $86,439 - $92,795 per annum plus 12% superannuation (GOSGA)
Position number:
Multiple
Work type:
Fixed Term - Full Time
Location:
District Court
Closing date:
2025-09-18 4:30 PM (YYYY-MM-DD)Currently, there is one Associate and one Usher position available for immediate filling. Both positions are fixed term, full time vacancies available for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
About The District Court
The District Court is the intermediate trial court in Western Australia. The District Court deals with serious criminal offences including serious assaults, sexual assaults, serious fraud and commercial theft, burglary and drug offences. The District Court also determines civil claims up to $750,000 and has unlimited jurisdiction in claims for damages for personal injury.
About The Roles
The Court is seeking applications from those who would like the opportunity to work closely with a judge of the District Court. Successful applicants will have highly effective written and interpersonal communication and the proven ability to perform conscientious professional relationships.Each Judge of the District Court has an Associate and an Usher appointed as personal staff. Personal staff have the opportunity to work closely under the direct supervision of the judge to perform important functions to assist the Judge to conduct both criminal and civil proceedings by managing administrative tasks in the courtroom and in chambers. Tasks include preparing files, liaising with parties, performing important statutory functions and ensuring the smooth operation of hearings.
Associates (Level 3: $86,439 – $92,795):
- Prepare files for the Judge ahead of hearings.
- Perform the statutory duties of the Clerk of Arraigns under the Criminal Procedure Act 2004 (WA) . These duties include (but are not limited to) assisting with the jury empanelment process, reading the charges to the accused, assessing applications for surety, witnessing accused person’s bail undertakings.
- Correspond with parties on behalf of the judge.
- Undertake other ad-hoc duties such as legal research and/or writing, summaries, or other general administrative support.
- Use the electronic case management system to record proceedings and give effect to the orders of the judge, including the recording of pleas, exhibits, verdicts, bail conditions and legal representatives.
- Other duties as required.
Ushers (Level 1: $65,725 – $74,951):
- Ushers are considered personal assistants to the judge and carry out essential duties in both the courtroom and judge’s chambers.
- Maintain decorum, organisation and efficient running of court proceedings.
- Prepare and organise files or other materials and documents for the judge.
- Correspond with parties on behalf of the judge.
- Undertake other ad-hoc duties such as legal research and/or writing, summaries, or other general administrative support.
- Other duties as required.
Personal staff to judges have the opportunity to acquire a detailed understanding of a range of criminal and civil matters and court procedures. You will be required to work as a member of a team, maintain confidentiality and be able to manage a number of tasks at any given time. Applicants must be prepared to flexible hours according to the needs of the judge and the Court, and from time-to-time to travel to regional circuit locations with the judge.When considering whether employment at the District Court is right for you, it is important to consider the jurisdiction of the Court. The District Court deals with serious criminal offences including, robbery, criminal damage, serious fraud and commercial theft, burglary, and drug offences. The Court also deals with serious assaults and sexual assaults, including those against children. In the course of their duties, staff will encounter materials (including but not limited to photographs, videos, written statements, and oral evidence) associated with these charges. This material may be confronting and/or distressing. The Court is committed to reducing exposure to these materials for staff wherever possible and the Department of Justice offers services and resources to support staff.Note, some of the aspects of the roles vary according to the individual judge’s preference and may, from time-to-time include attending to personal administrative tasks and errands where the Judge is otherwise engaged in or required to be available for court proceedings.
Eligibility
All employees are required to undergo a National Criminal History check. For appointment to the position, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia as defined by the Commonwealth Immigration Act (if not currently held, must be acquired prior to commencement at applicant’s expense).Progress toward or achievement of a qualification in law
is not an eligibility requirement for either role
. The Court is keen to receive a mix of applications from those looking to pursue a career with the court but who do not possess a law degree, as well as applications from law students and graduates.
Benefits And Opportunities
- Learning and development opportunities for law students or recent graduates.
- Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness centre discounts available for employees and their families.
- Four weeks annual leave, the possibility of work-related travel to regional locations.
Application process
How To Apply
We require you to submit:
- A short cover letter (no more than one page), outlining your transferable skills, and why you would like the opportunity to work for a judge of the District Court. Please clearly state in your letter whether you would like to be considered for the position of associate, usher, or both.
- A Resume / Curriculum Vitae with the contact details of two work or study-related referees.
If you are a law student or graduate, please also include copy of your academic transcript.
Subsequent Vacancies
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies.
For further job-related information
If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact
Laura Sutton
,
Executive Manager District Court of Western Australia
on
(08) 9425 2414
for a confidential discussion.
Equity and Diversity
The Department of Justice is committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. We actively promote the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, youth, people of diverse sexualities and genders, women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and other diversity groups.Aboriginal job seekers may contact the Aboriginal Workforce Development Team on aboriginalworkforcedevelopment@justice.wa.gov.au or call
(08) 9264 1700
for culturally appropriate application advice.Applicants with disability requiring adjustments or accessibility support at any stage of the selection process can contact the hiring manager as listed under the ‘Further Information’ section or contact the Diversity and Inclusion team on WorkforceDiversity@justice.wa.gov.au or
(08) 9264 1700
for a confidential discussion.
Submitting your application
Applicants are requested to apply online. To submit your application, click the
“Apply for Job”
button at the bottom of this advertisement.Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application,
as late applications will not be accepted.
If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone RAMS Helpdesk ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com on 1300 733 056 for assistance.To keep you up to date on what is happening in Department of Justice and job opportunities you can go directly to the departments website or follow us on social media.
