CHAPTER III: THE BAR & JUDICIARY

Building a remarkable career in the judicial branch of government requires ambition and perseverence. According to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, a career in the judiciary requires candidates to possess a range of abilities and qualities, including a high level of knowledge and expertise, intellectual and analytical ability, a capacity to work under pressure, an ability to maintain authority and inspire respect, and a willingness to participate in ongoing judicial education.

Opportunities for students and graduates

Students are able to gain work experience by applying for tipstaff or court associate positions. These roles may last indefinitely or for a specified amount of time. Note that these roles are offered by courts as well as barristers' chambers. For a list of barristers' chambers, click on this link: https://nswbar.asn.au/using-barristers/chambers.

Legal tipstaves and researchers conduct often complex legal research on behalf of judges. This would generally involve a detailed analysis of case law and an examination of legal developments in areas where precedents may not be well defined. These skills may be used in drafting background papers and assisting judicial officers in their work.

Associates provide broadly based executive support to enable the judge to meet obligations both within the court and to external stakeholders, including legal practitioners, litigants in person and members of the public.

Applications tend to be highly competitive, but this will depend on the court and the position which is being applied for. The application process may include:

Submitting a cover letter and CV (possibly along with an academic transcript) Referee checks One-on-one interview

For more information on these types of positions, please check this link as a general guide from the Supreme Court of NSW: http://www.supremecourt.justice.nsw.gov.au/Pages/sco2_aboutus/sco2_careers.aspx#associate_roles.

You can find more information about how to prepare for the application process at the end of this Guide.

The Bar Exam

The distinctive feature of practice at the bar is advocacy before the courts and tribunals. Accordingly, the Bar Council sets an exam in subjects related specifically to advocacy: legal ethics for barristers; aspects of evidence; and practice and procedure for barristers. Admission to the Supreme Court is not a pre-requisite for sitting the Bar Exam, but it is necessary to pass this exam before commencing the Bar Practice Course. More information on the NSW Bar Exams can be found here: https://nswbar.asn.au/becoming-a-barrister/bar-exams.

You may also refer to the final section of this Guide for a brief overview on the process of becoming a barrister in New South Wales.