Careers
What is a judge? How are judges appointed to the Federal Court of Appeal?
A judge is an independent professional who hears and decides cases brought before the Court.
Judges are appointed to the Federal Court of Appeal by the Governor General on the advice of the federal Cabinet. Applications are handled by the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada . More information about the application and appointment process, including application forms, may be found on the Commissioner’s website .
What is a law clerk? How are law clerks selected to work with the Court’s judges?
Each year, the Court hires a new class of law clerks to work one-on-one with each of the Court’s judges.
Law clerks research points of law, prepare legal memoranda and generally assist the judges in their work. Law clerks are typically recent law school graduates who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
While it may be hard work, most law clerks will tell you that the experience is a superb career development opportunity and an excellent introduction to a career in law. Alumni of the law clerk program often go on to private practice, public service, academia or further clerkships at other courts.
The law clerk application process opens in the fall of each year, with interviews taking place in the winter and spring. The application process operates a year and a half in advance of the start of the clerkship (for example, successful candidates who applied during the fall of 2023 would start their clerkship in the summer of 2025). As such, candidates enrolled in a three-year law school program often apply in the fall or winter of their second year.
For more information and to apply, please visit the law clerk application page.
Does the Court employ other staff? How do I find out about career opportunities at the Courts Administration Service?
A team of professionals, ranging from security to administrative support staff, IT professionals, jurilinguists, lawyers, project managers, and more, help the Court fulfill its mandate. All court staff are employed by the Courts Administration Service .
Career opportunities are regularly posted on the PSJobs website . Internal opportunities are also posted from time to time on the GCConnex career marketplace .
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