Volunteering at the Federal Court of Australia

International Program Unit
Information and Application Process

Applications close: 20 November 2026

The Federal Court’s role in international judicial development

The Federal Court is an active player in international judicial development and works collaboratively with superior courts around the world. The Court's objective in collaborating with other jurisdictions is to promote respect for the rule of law and provide judicial development assistance, particularly in the Asia and Pacific region. At present, the Court has partner arrangements with 17 courts within the region and works on both a regional and bilateral basis. and hosts visits and study tours by courts from a diverse range of countries.

Volunteering with the Court’s International Program Unit

The International Programs Unit (IPU) manages the Court’s international relations portfolio and maintains a volunteer program to provide an opportunity for law students to gain practical experience in judicial development projects and to learn about the processes involved in implementing such projects within the professional environment of the Court. The IPU currently has staff in both the Melbourne and Brisbane Registries of the Court.

Volunteer roles are unpaid and require a minimum commitment of 1-2 days a week for a period of three months. Volunteers are expected to meet all their own costs.

Volunteer roles

Volunteers will be mentored by experienced International Programs staff and will have the opportunity to learn and gain skills in:

1. Researching various aspects of international judicial development and international projects;
2. Drafting briefings, training and other preparatory materials;
3. Day-to-day logistical and administrative arrangements for international projects and visits;
4. Internal and external communication relating to the functions of projects, including newsletters, proposals and reports; and
5. Collecting, analysing and reporting on project data.

Selection criteria

Volunteers will be selected on the basis of the following attributes and skills:

1. Knowledge/interest in international law, judicial reform and/or international development;
2. Ability to work collaboratively with members of a team, as well as undertake independent learning;
3. Excellent time management skills, and the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks;
4. Ability to follow procedural guidelines and attention to detail for effective work performance;
5. High level oral and written communication skills; and
6. Demonstrated workplace professionalism.

Application process

Applications from students in their final or penultimate year of studies are preferred. The IPU can only supervise students based in either Melbourne or Brisbane at present.

Applications are currently being invited for Summer Placements from December 2026 to March 2027 for Melbourne (2 places) and Brisbane (2 places).

To submit an application, please forward a resume (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing your skills and experience relevant to the role toMs Aye Mya Mya Moe at moe.moe@fedcourt.gov.au. Please outline your availability in the cover letter and ensure your application is in either Word or PDF format. Applications are due by 20 November 2026.

Unfortunately, due to high demand, unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.

Recent examples of work conducted by volunteers

Examples of recent work conducted by volunteers includes:

• Legal research into climate-related litigation in Pacific jurisdictions,
• Review of AI policies and guidelines promulgated by courts internationally,
• Drafting Law and Justice profiles for countries in the region,
• Helping book international flights for regional workshops,
• Developing legal briefs on issues of domestic and international law including mediation, unconscious bias, cross-border litigation, enforcement of foreign judgments and intellectual property law.