Lawyer / Senior Lawyer

• Lawyers – APS Level 6 (Associate equivalent)
• Senior Lawyers – Executive Level 1 (Senior Associate equivalent) 
• Opportunities in our Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane offices 
• Flexible working arrangements available

Permanent roles exist for experienced commercial lawyers with expertise and experience in technology/ICT, complex procurement and contracting or corporate advisory to join AGS’s national Commercial group. 

About us

Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is the Australian Government’s central legal practice and part of the Attorney-General’s Department. AGS helps Commonwealth clients to manage legal issues, navigate new challenges and find solutions which deliver the best outcomes for Australia. We are a self-funded legal practice and compete for our work.

AGS is unique. AGS is dedicated to the national interest and is a trusted advisor to Government. 

AGS is innovative. Drawing on an exceptional depth of experience and expertise, we assist the Australian Government in the development and implementation of solutions to legal issues that have national importance.

AGS is diverse. With offices in every capital city and a team of 680 staff, including 470 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.

About the roles

Our commercial lawyers provide specialist commercial legal advice to agencies across the Commonwealth. We act as lead legal adviser for our clients on many of the Australian Government’s largest projects and commercial transactions. Our work is diverse, and includes advising on policies and programs that are of national importance, such as:

• some of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects
• cutting edge technology, ICT and IP projects
• complex contracting arrangements, including the acquisition of goods and services to support Australia’s national security and defence forces; and
• integrity, legal process and probity advice to government at the highest levels.

In addition, AGS Commercial lawyers have the opportunity to work on matters and projects for a range of organisations as part of AGS’s pro bono program.

This is an exciting opportunity for commercial lawyers wanting to build the next phase of their legal career in one or more of the practice areas above in the Commonwealth context. AGS’s Commercial practice has over 70 lawyers around Australia. Our employment offering is distinct from private law firm roles, corporate in-house roles and other government legal roles. It offers a unique hybrid culture of market leading legal expertise, dedicated client service, affinity with our clients, involvement in matters of national significance and the opportunity for public service, as well as a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.

In these roles you will:

• contribute to the Commonwealth’s most important, high‑profile and complex national transactions, programs and reforms
• be part of a supportive, collegiate and high performing national legal practice
• provide a high standard of client service and maintain strong client relationships; and
• work as one of the Australian Government’s most trusted legal advisors.

For further information about the requirements of the roles please refer to the role descriptions available on our recruitment portal.

About you

We are particularly interested in candidates with 3 or more years’ experience in one or more of: 

• ICT/IP law
• government contracting or 
• probity and integrity advice.

Applicants with general commercial or corporate advisory experience are encouraged to apply. 

The successful candidates will ideally have: 

• a minimum of 3 years’ PQE for APS Level 6 and 5 years’ PQE for Executive Level 1 roles 
• excellent technical legal skills and strong academic results
• the ability to initiate, build and maintain strong client relationships including ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines
• the ability to work under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade
• have the opportunity to support community interests though pro bono work. For more information about our pro bono work, refer to our website.

You will work with a community of professionals dedicated to the national interest. You will work collaboratively in an inclusive environment where everyone’s contribution is valued, and success is rewarded. We offer our lawyers commercially competitive remuneration packages, including 15.4% superannuation.

With open door access to some of Australia’s most respected lawyers, we are a developer of talent and critical thinking and you will partner with our clients to deliver creative solutions to current and emerging legal issues of national importance. 

AGS is a supportive organisation which embraces diversity. We understand that work is only part of your life and while our workplace can be demanding at times, we also provide access to a range of flexible working options, generous leave entitlements (including paid Christmas shutdown) and wellbeing benefits to support your needs throughout your career. 

To apply

You must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to for these roles to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level. 

To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button and ensure that you upload a 1-2 page cover letter along with a copy of your CV and academic transcripts. 

Applications close at 5:00pm (AEST) on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.  

Further enquiries 

Further information can be obtained by contacting Kim Da Pozzo, HR Business Partner, Commercial on 02 6253 7***.