Legal Support

The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is seeking expressions of interest from administrators and legal assistants with varied levels of experience to become a member of our Canberra based Legal Support teams.
If you are interested in starting or progressing a career in legal administration, please consider the attached role descriptions and apply.
About us
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 over 470 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.
About the roles
AGS delivers expert legal services to Commonwealth clients across a wide range of areas including dispute resolution, commercial law and constitutional and public law. Our Legal Support teams provide support across these practice areas. Please visit the AGS website for further information Home | AGS
We are seeking candidates who are looking to start or expand their working career, have an interest in administration, and are enthusiastic and willing to learn. On-the-job training will be provided along with ongoing training and development. Fundamentally, a strong work ethic and a desire to work in a team and provide professional administrative service to lawyers is key.
APS level 2 roles are entry level positions and previous administrative experience would be an advantage but is not essential. At the APS3 level, previous administrative support experience is preferred. At the APS4 level a minimum of 2 years’ legal assistant experience is required. At the APS5 level substantial legal assistant experience is required.
As a member of our Legal Support team you will:

• take an active role in assisting our lawyers to deliver a high standard of legal services to our clients
• maintain legal files and assist with client enquiries
• manage lawyers’ diaries and travel
• ensure administrative procedures such as client billing and reporting comply with relevant AGS requirements
• assist to prepare, and in some cases draft, documents relevant to your role and send these to clients, courts, tribunals or other bodies.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• varied levels of experience in administration or legal assistant roles
• good attention to detail and a professional approach, including the ability to manage multiple task with accuracy
• a genuine commitment and ability to deliver high quality client service
• well-developed written and oral communication skills
• good knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Outlook, Adobe), for more senior roles advanced technical skills in Microsoft Office and PowerPoint as well as legal practice software systems such as Mattersphere, Elite, iManage, Desksite or Filesite
• the ability to be flexible and work as part of a team and be a role model for junior staff members
• an interest in undertaking training and development to learn new skills
• take on new and complex requests, identifying opportunities to improve processes (APS 5).

For further information about the requirements of the roles please refer to the role descriptions available on our recruitment portal.
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 employees 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 work can be demanding at times, we also provide access to a range of flexible working options, generous leave entitlements and wellbeing benefits to support your needs throughout your career.

To apply
To apply you must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level.
To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button. Applications close at 5:00pm (AEST) on Thursday, 11 April 2024.
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Natalie Lightfoot, HR Business Partner on 02 6253 7529.