Judge of the District Court of NSW - Civil Jurisdiction

$463,610 per annum plus conveyance allowance of $22,445 per annum.

The Attorney General is seeking applications from qualified persons for appointment as a Judge of the District Court of NSW to sit in the civil jurisdiction under the District Court Act 1973.

Applicants must be current or former judicial officers or Australian lawyers of at least seven years’ standing.

The District Court is the busiest intermediate trial court in Australia and judges regularly hear interlocutory disputes as well as final hearings.  The Court has a wide civil jurisdiction with a large variety of matters coming before the Court.  A significant part of the Court’s present civil list workload consists of:

• building and construction matters


• commercial matters


• intentional tort matters (including institutional abuse and sexual battery claims)


• claims against the State of New South Wales arising from the alleged conduct of police officers


• professional negligence matters (particularly medical negligence) and other negligence matters (work injury damages, Civil Liability Act 2002 claims)


• defamation actions


• costs appeals

Applicants must address the following professional and personal qualities as part of their application.

Professional Qualities and Skills

• Extensive experience and proficiency in civil litigation in the District Court or the Supreme Court/Federal Court including in the building and construction, commercial and torts areas.


• An ability to work under pressure and manage a varied and extensive workload including setting and meeting time priorities for the production of written judgments.


• An ability to absorb and analyse competing facts and submissions.


• An ability to make timely, well-reasoned and sound decisions.


• Excellent oral and interpersonal skills including an ability to listen attentively.


• An ability to maintain authority and inspire respect.


• A willingness to participate in ongoing judicial education.


• An ability to use and master modern IT processes.

Personal Qualities and Values

• A strong work ethic.


• Decisiveness.


• Independence and impartiality.


• Integrity.


• Inclusivity.


• An ability to treat others with respect and exercise authority calmly, professionally and courteously.


• Common sense and good judgement.

Successful applicants must have an ability and willingness to undertake short regional civil sittings when required.

Previous applicants seeking appointment are required to submit a fresh application specifically addressing the criteria above.

Note: Probity checks will be conducted.

How to apply: Applications in Word or PDF, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and the names of at least two referees, must be lodges electronically.  Please go to jobs.dcj.nsw.gov.au and search Job Reference Number 84836.

• Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide two samples of written work (of approximately 15 pages per sample) demonstrating competence in relation to the types of matters identified above.

Applications close: 11.59pm AEST – Sunday, 26 July 2026

Enquiries: Executive Officer of the District Court of NSW, Ms Zreika, 0419 746 855.