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 two Associates: one to commence in mid-2027 and another to commence in early 2028. Associates are engaged on a non‑ongoing basis for an initial period of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension, subject to operational requirements, to a maximum total engagement of 18 months. Her Honour’s preference is for her Associates to remain in the position for a total period of 18 months.

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

• Academic results
• Post university experience, including pro bono and volunteer work
• Admission to practice (mandatory)
• Public law experience
• Capacity to work under pressure
• Proofing and research skills
• Adaptability and personal qualities suitable for close working environment in Chambers
• Willingness to travel

Post admission practice experience and an interest in public law will be highly regarded.

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

For full details about the role, download the Associate to the Chief Justice position description (DOCX, 119 KB). The Court’s Judges’ Associates webpage contains important information about working as an Associate at the Federal Court.

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. The closing date for applications is Friday 28 August 2026.

Please note that this position is based in Melbourne and relocation assistance will not be provided where the successful candidate resides in a different location. Candidates residing outside of Melbourne will be responsible for all costs associated with relocating.

Any queries in relation to the application process should be directed to the Chambers Manager to the Chief Justice, Katrina Jobson, at Katrina.Jobson@fedcourt.gov.au.