Williams + Hughes

Courts

Associateships are the best way for students and recent graduates to get a real taste of the courtroom experience. As an associate you will be working closely with one or more judges, usually for a period of one or two years. In this section we have compiled profiles from associates working in various courts to help you understand the work they do and how to apply.

WA Supreme Court

MEG GREEN

Research Associate/Orderly to Justice Hill, mid 2019-2020 Associate to Justice Allanson 2020

How did you apply to be a Judge’s Associate?

I didn’t know a lot about being an Associate prior to applying – my housemate at the time was in her final year of university and I thought it might be good practice for me to apply for jobs and clerkships later in the year. I thought the role sounded interesting and a good way to expose myself to a variety of areas in law, which was helpful as I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to practice in.

I applied for a range of Judges in General Division and was interviewed by one of them. They then referred me onto a new Judge who was being appointed in June 2019, Justice Hill. I was really lucky to have the experience of working with a new Judge and starting mid-year.

What does your work involve?

In court, our work involves the practical court procedures of swearing in witnesses, running the benchbook to track the hearing, being in charge of exhibits and documents throughout the hearing, and providing materials to the Judge when needed.

Outside of court depends on the practice of the chambers, but most often involves corresponding with parties in preparation for hearings, drafting court orders, proofing judgments and doing research for the Judge on certain topics. Most chambers have two Associates who either split the work evenly, or they may have one role with a greater administrative focus and one with a greater research focus.

Some chambers also prepare a first draft or skeleton of the judgment on a matter, which is an interesting way to understand the law and very different compared to writing essays or submissions. In the Court of Appeal, Associates often draft longer memos for their Judges in relation to an appeal rather than creating these skeleton judgments. Applications for the courts open early in the year; the WA Supreme Court does one hire period for all Judges but other courts on the east coast open up positions for Judges individually at different times of the year, so it is a good idea to keep checking different court websites.

To apply for the WA Supreme Court, you need to submit a cover letter, resume and transcript. The advertisement that is put out by the court each year will list the Judges in the Court of Appeal and General Division who are hiring, and for how long – many chambers will hire Associates for 2 years. Often the students applying for associateships are in their final year of university or may have already graduated. However, there are some part-time positions that may suit students in their penultimate year, or you can apply prior to finishing. I have done my final two years of university at the court and found it to be helpful putting the units I am doing to practical use in my work. What does the application process involve? Successful applicants will have an interview with the Judge and sometimes the Associate who is staying on for the following year may sit in on the interview and also ask questions. Otherwise, after the interview with the Judge, you’ll often have the opportunity to meet with and chat to the current Associates about the role and ask any questions you may have.

The turnaround time between interviews and offers being made is usually quite quick and happens within the fortnight, so it is a lot less stressful than clerkships.

Do you have any tips for potential candidates?

Have a think about what you are looking to gain from the experience – Court of Appeal and General Division operate very differently and your work will differ according to which part of the Court you work in. However, I do think that applying for as many Judges as possible is a good idea; I have worked for two very different Judges and have loved both experiences. Have a read of the welcome speeches that Judges have when they are appointed, as these often