Application number: 36/2025

Application closes: 26/09/2025

Position: Judge’s Associate
Level: JLG3
Salary range: $43,989 – $55,999
Location: Suva
Unit/Division: Court of Appeal

Reporting Responsibilities;
(a) Reports to: Chief Justice or Judges of the High Court upon the directions of the Chief Justice.
(b) Liaises with: All the Judicial Officers, Deputy Registrars and Registries Fiji Wide as and when directed by the Chief Justice.
(c) Subordinates: Nil

 

Position Purpose

This position is responsible to the Chief Justice’s Chambers / Judges. The role of the Associate is to act as a professional and confidential aide to the Chief Justice in connection with the Judicial Officers duties. Provide legal support to Chief Justice in ensuring timely case management of all matters handled by his Lordship.

 

Key Responsibilities
The position will achieve its purpose through the following key responsibility areas:

1. Conduct legal research to assist the Chief Justice in preparation for hearings and trials.
2. Draft legal documents, including judgments, orders, and correspondences.
3. Manage court schedules and liaise with relevant parties.
4. Attend court proceedings, ensuring Chief Justice has necessary materials and support.
5. Maintain and organize case files, ensuring accuracy and completeness of legal documents.
6. Assist in the preparation of legal opinions and summaries.
7. Provide administrative support including managing emails, and handling inquiries.
8. Coordinate with court staff, legal professionals, and other stakeholders to facilitate the matters/ meetings before the Chief Justice.
9. Maintain confidentiality and integrity in the course of employment.
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Justice or any other judicial officer as directed by the Chief Justice.

SELECTION CRITERIA
The Person

 

In addition to a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an accredited University and admission to the bar as a practicing lawyer in Fiji, applicant should have at least 3-5 years work experience in legal role or clerkship together with the following Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities are required to successfully undertake this roles;

 

Knowledge and Experience

1. In-depth knowledge of Fiji’s legal system, court procedures, and relevant legal frameworks.
2. Awareness of judicial precedents and the ability to apply them appropriately.
3. Proficiency in interpretation and application of laws relevant to the cases being handled.
4. Strong research skills to access legal database, statutes, and relevant legal literature.
5. Skill in drafting clear, concise, and sound legal documents, such as judgments/ orders etc.
6. Understanding of constitutional principles and their relevance to legal decisions.
7. Knowledge of rules of evidence and procedures for presenting and challenging evidence in court. Practical experience in attending court proceedings and assisting judicial officers.
8. Previous involvement in legal research projects, contributing to the development of legal arguments and opinion
9. Hands-on experience in drafting legal documents, including pleadings, affidavits, and legal opinions.
10. Experience in managing case files, ensuring the organization and accessibility of relevant legal documents.
11. Previous collaboration with legal professionals, such as lawyers and clerks, in support of legal processes.
12. Practical experience in providing administrative support including managing schedules and communications.
13. Awareness and adherence to ethical standards and principles governing judicial conduct
14. Experience in identifying and addressing legal issues or challenges that may arise during court proceedings.

 

Skills and Abilities
The applicant should have demonstrated the following skills and abilities:

 

1. Proficient in conducting thorough legal research and drafting accurate legal documents, including judgments and orders etc
2. Ability to attend court proceedings, assist the Chief justice during hearings.
3. Strong organizational abilities to manage court schedules, coordinate hearings, and maintain orderly case files.
4. Effective communication skills to liaise with court staff, legal professionals, and other stakeholders.
5. Understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality in handling sensitive legal information.
6. Capacity for analytical thinking to assist in the preparation of legal opinions and summaries.
7. Thorough understanding of legal procedures, court rules, and the legal system in Fiji.
8. Strong attention to every detail to ensure accuracy in document preparation and case management.
9. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, particularly in a fast-paced court environment.
10. Capacity to work collaboratively with judges, legal professionals, and court staff.
11. Ability to work independently and take initiative in managing tasks assigned by the Chief Justice.
12. Flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances and evolving legal situations.
13. Skill in identifying and addressing legal issues or challenges that may arise during court proceedings.
14. Proficiency in using legal research databases, case management systems, and standard office software.
15. Adherence to high ethical standards and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.
16. Willing to travel out of station for work as and when directed.

 

Personal Character and Eligibility

Applicants for employment in the Judicial Department must be Fijian Citizens, under Age 60, in sound health, with a clear police record. The selected applicant will be required to provide a medical report and police clearance prior to taking up duty.

 

The Judicial Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applications are encouraged from all eligible, qualified applicants.

 

To apply for this role please provide an up-to-date resume with a photograph, copies of Academic Certificates & Transcripts, at least two referees, with one being a current or recent supervisor, a filled JD Form 01 which is available on website www.judiciary.gov.fj or from any Court Registry Fiji wide or HR Office in Suva.  Applications that do not meet the selection criteria will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  If you are not contacted by the Judicial Department, your application has not been successful and we thank you for your interest in applying.

 

Applications for the position must be received by 4.00pm on Friday 26th September  2025 and addressed to:

 

Applications by Post:

The Chief Registrar

Judicial Department

P.O.Box 2215

Government Buildings

Suva

 

OR

 

Applications delivered:

Judicial Department

HR Section

Level 3, Kelton House

Loftus Street

Suva, Fiji

 

OR

 

Email Application:

vacancies.judicial@judicial.gov.fj

 

LATE, UNSIGNED OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AND ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED AND THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO MAKE ANY APPOINTMENT.

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