# Application for Associate ([Federal Magistrates Court](https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au)) 3 February 2011 To whom it may concern, I am writing to apply for the position of Associate at the Federal Magistrates Court. I have previously shadowed a Crown Court Judge, completed two mini-pupillages at barristers’ chambers and worked as a Student Attorney on death penalty cases in Texas. These experiences have familiarised me with the judiciary and the courts, and have convinced me that I would enjoy, and excel, working as an associate. I have demonstrated my strength in research by writing two theses as part of my studies. One of my theses was published and I have had two recent articles approved for publication. I am currently working as a Research Assistant at the UNSW Initiative on Climate Change Law and Policy and as a Paralegal in the corporate group at Freehills. I have also volunteered in a research capacity, as well as participated in mooting competitions and model United Nations. I feel that my experience, research skills and strong communication skills, together with my enthusiasm and diligence, make me an ideal candidate for this role. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, Associate (6186) Selection Criteria Statement ### Qualifications I graduated from the University of Nottingham with upper second-class honours in Law (with American Law) (LL.B). As part of this degree, I completed a one year exchange at the University of Texas. I am currently studying a Masters of Environmental Law at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where I have attained a distinction average thus far. ### Research Skills I have consistently demonstrated excellent research skills. I have written two theses: one, comparing climate change regulation in the US and the EU, has been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and the other, about the liability of parent companies for torts committed by their subsidiaries, is currently being peer-reviewed. A research article I wrote about international non-governmental organisations has been selected for publication in an acclaimed development journal and I recently won the Environmental Defender's Office & Maddocks’ student essay writing competition, for a research essay about the regulation of the voluntary carbon market. Previously I have volunteered for the Activist Legal Project researching and writing a guide for students as to their legal rights to freedom of speech on university campuses. I currently work as a Research Assistant at UNSW, which involves conducting detailed legal research for Australia’s first book on the topic of renewable energy law. I also work as a Paralegal at Freehills which requires a broad range of research skills, including utilising case law databases, understanding and summarising complex legal provisions and using internal systems to locate precedents and other relevant information. ### Communication Skills Shadowing a Crown Court Judge provided me with experience communicating with a senior member of the judiciary, as well as with other judicial and court staff. I have also completed two mini-pupillages, where I worked with Barristers and clients. As a Paralegal I liaise with Partners, Senior Associates and Lawyers of varying levels of seniority on a regular basis. I previously acted as a Student Attorney for the University of Texas Capital Punishment Clinic, which involved communicating with other students, Lawyers, former jurors and, most challengingly, death row inmates. Each situation required a different style of communication and an ability to recognise and adapt to the circumstances. I am a confident speaker who also realises the importance of listening. I have been involved in debating and performed well in university mooting competitions. Last year I was a member of my university’s delegation to the World Model United Nations Conference, where I had to speak in front of, and negotiate with, 400 other delegates. I am always keen to improve my communication skills, and have obtained basic qualifications in sign language and counselling. ### Computer Skills Computers, web-design and programming have long been interests of mine and I have developed advanced computer skills. I have a GNVQ, the UK equivalent of a diploma, in Computing and am proficient in all Office applications. In addition, I am very capable at troubleshooting computer problems, which has proved very useful in an office setting. ### Adaptability I have proven myself to be adaptable by moving from my home country, to the US and to Australia, adapting to the numerous changes in surroundings and culture, and quickly establishing myself. Not long after arriving in Australia I secured two jobs which extend my interests and ability, and which involved sudden changes in workload and priorities. I am constantly meeting new people and adapting to new environs, demonstrating the ease with which I adapt to new situations. Tolerance, Diligence and Teamwork I was fortunate to grow up in a multicultural area, and throughout university, and in employment, I have worked and socialised with a diverse range of people, from many different backgrounds and cultures. Not only am I tolerant person, I positively embrace and welcome our differences, whether they are differences in age, gender, race or religion. I am a diligent worker, and always work to the best of my ability, as I feel that anything less is a poor reflection on me and my capabilities. I work efficiently and am comfortable working under pressure with tight deadlines. At university I founded the Vegetarian and Vegan society. The Society was run by a small group of people, with a range of ideas and interests. This instilled in me the importance of working together as a team, as all opinions had to be taken into account and decisions were made cooperatively. At Freehills I work with a small team where the sharing of ideas and working methods is encouraged, as is the building of close relationships with one another. For these reasons, I enjoy working in a small team and have found that I thrive in such an environment. ### Ethical Behaviour and APS Values If selected for this role, I will adhere to the highest standards of ethical behaviour, and reflect the values of the Australian Public Service. I am trustworthy and considerate, and wish to always present myself in a positive manner. Having worked in a large law firm and shadowed a Crown Court Judge, I am acutely aware of the importance of maintaining integrity and decorum at work and behaving in an appropriate manner. PAGE 1 PAGE 1 FEDERAL MAGISTRATES COURT Position Description Package ASSOCIATE APS LEVEL 5 $62,517 - $66,292 plus superannuation ONGOING – FULL TIME POSITION NUMBER: 6186 SYDNEY REGISTRY Notified in the APS Employment Gazette : Thursday, 20 January 2011 Closing date for applications: Thursday, 3 February 2011 Once you have read the information about the duties of this position, please contact Gary Hartop on [REDACTED PHONE] if you have any questions. HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION Please include with your application: A covering letter A comprehensive statement of claims against the selection criteria An up to date resume detailing your skills and work history Certified copies of relevant qualifications Please Note: Receipt of email applications will be acknowledged, however mailed or faxed applications will not. Please submit your application to: Email: [REDACTED EMAIL] Postal Address: Human Resources FMC Corporate Services Provider GPO Box 9991 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Fax: [REDACTED PHONE] Please Note: Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted without prior approval. Please advise in writing or email if you decide to withdraw from the selection process. ‘One APS Career… Thousands of Opportunities’ FEDERAL MAGISTRATES COURT JOB DESCRIPTION Associate APS5 The Associate is part of a team assisting a Federal Magistrate in the day to day management of Chambers and Court. The role of the Associate is to manage chambers and to supervise the Deputy Associate. The Federal Magistrate in whose chambers this position is located exercises the Court's general federal law jurisdiction focussing on administrative law, industrial law, trade practices, bankruptcy and human rights matters. This position will not involve exposure to family law matters. Key responsibilities and duties: Day-to-day running of chambers including responding to enquiries. Supervise the work of the deputy associate. Assist the Federal Magistrate to manage the docket by preparing and managing matters waiting for hearing. Ensure the court’s case management system is up-to-date and assist the Federal Magistrate in the preparation of orders and typing of judgments. Maintain court related relationships with various external stakeholders. Contribute to organisational forums working for better working practices. Undertake legal research as required by the Federal Magistrate. Other duties as required. Selection Criteria Legal qualifications essential Demonstrated ability to undertake legal research. Strong communication (oral and written) and liaison skills and the ability to communicate with people of all levels Demonstrated high-level keyboard skills and ability to use relevant software applications including Microsoft Office applications, Lotus Notes and internet. The ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities. Tolerance, diligence and the ability to work as a member of a small team. A high standard of ethical behaviour. An understanding of the Australian Public Service (APS) Values and a commitment to abide by the APS Code of Conduct. The ability to comply with principles of workplace diversity and occupational health and safety.