The Hon Debra Sue MORTIMER

Chief Justice, Federal Court of Australia: 7.4.2023

The Hon. Debra Sue Mortimer was appointed to the Federal Court in July 2013. She was appointed Chief Justice on 7 April 2023.

Prior to her appointment to the Federal Court, she was a member of the Victorian Bar and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2003. She remains a Senior Fellow at Melbourne Law School and a member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies at Melbourne Law School.

Associateship applications

Chief Justice Mortimer is taking applications for an associate to commence in the first half of 2025, and another associate to commence early in 2026. Her Honour generally appoints an associate for a period of 18 months.

Candidates with post admission practice experience and an interest in public law are generally preferred.

Her Honour will take the following skills, attributes and work experience into consideration when recruiting her associates:

  1. Academic results
  2. Post university experience, including pro bono and volunteer work
  3. Admission to practice (mandatory)
  4. Public law experience
  5. Capacity to work under pressure
  6. Proofing and research skills
  7. Adaptability and personal qualities suitable for close working environment in Chambers
  8. Willingness to travel

As part of the recruitment process candidates may be required to attend an interview and complete a short written research and proofing exercise.

To be considered for the position, candidates are invited to send their curriculum vitae, academic transcript, contact details of at least two referees and a cover letter addressing each of the above listed points to the Victoria District Registry at vicreg@fedcourt.gov.au to the attention of the Chambers of Chief Justice Mortimer. The closing date for applications is 31 May 2024.

Last updated 19 January 2024

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