Judge’s Associateships
What is a Judge’s Associate?
A judge’s associate works for an individual judge as a personal assistant and researcher. They are usually employed for one or two years. Most associates are recent law school graduates. Some judges employ students directly on graduation from law school. Others prefer to employ graduates who have a year or two of post graduation work experience. The balance of responsibilities varies as between courts and as between individual judges but the role requires advanced legal research skills and legal knowledge. In most cases, the Associate also assists with the administrative side of the judge's work including listing cases, liaising with barristers, other members of the legal profession and court staff. Some associates also assist the judge with personal tasks.
Why be a Judge’s Associate?
Working as an associate provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of court. You have the opportunity to observe advocacy (including, in trial jurisdictions, the leading of evidence and cross-examination), gain an appreciation of procedure, observe the resolution of legal disputes and to develop research and writing skills to a high level. Many associates are planning careers at the bar. However, associateships are highly regarded across the legal profession and offer valuable experience for students planning a wide range of legal careers. An associateship may also be valuable if you are planning further study in law. Many prominent Australian lawyers are former associates including the Hon Robert McClelland (Attorney-General), the Hon Nicola Roxon MP (Minister for Health), Professor George Williams (prominent legal commentator and law professor), Stephen Gagelar SC, (Solicitor-General for the Commonwealth), Pamela Tate SC (Solicitor General for Victoria) and judges, senior legal practitioners and academics.
How do I become a Judge’s Associate?
Judges recruit their associates individually and often these positions are not advertised. Some courts have a nominated person to whom you can send applications. Otherwise, it is best to speak with a current or recent associate or someone else who can give you informed advice.
Professor Adrienne Stone (herself a former Associate to a High Court judge) is the Melbourne Law School’s Faculty Advisor on Judicial Associateships. She will organise one or two events each year that offer further information and advice. If you are within 2 years of graduating and interested in a Judge’s Associateship, she is also available for individual consultations. You can e-mail to request an appointment on a.stone@unimelb.edu.au.
On 6 May 2009 Adrienne led a discussion about Judicial Associateships. The seminar included information about what the work entails and how to apply. Click here to access audio recording of the seminar.
You should also keep an eye on the Careers Office's Employment webpage and the courts' employment pages (see below).
You do not have to be admitted to work as a Judge's Associate.
The Australian Judges' Associates' Handbook is a useful reference and is free to download.
Some recent articles in the media relating to Judges' Associateships.
- In Praise of Judges, Michael Kirby, The Australian, 27 March 2009
- Associating with Success Can Lower the Bar, Michael Pelly, The Australian, 27 March 2009
- High Court Roll of Success, Michael Pelly, The Australian, 27 March 2009
Court Employment Pages
A listing of courts and tribunals is available.