Senior General Counsel

• Public law, in particular constitutional law
• Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne locations
• Permanent and non-ongoing roles

Opportunities exist for Senior General Counsel/Senior Executive Lawyers to join the Office of General Counsel to advise the Commonwealth on constitutional and public law, statutory interpretation and the development, implementation and administration of legislation or engage in complex constitutional litigation.  

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. It is a centre of excellence and expertise in areas of law of importance to the Commonwealth and in managing complex, systemic and precedential issues for the Commonwealth. 

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 role

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) specialises in the provision of legal advice and assistance to the Commonwealth Government on constitutional and public law, complex statutory interpretation and the development, implementation and administration of legislation. OGC also acts for the Commonwealth in High Court constitutional litigation and coordinating the conduct of other cases involving constitutional issues. OCG’s team of approximately 80 lawyers (including a number of out posted lawyers) has specialist expertise in constitutional and public law, statutory interpretation and the development, implementation and administration of legislation. OGC also conducts constitutional litigation in the High Court and clears the Commonwealth’s position in other cases involving constitutional issues.

As Senior General Counsel/Senior Executive Lawyer in OGC, you will work with and help lead a highly skilled team on matters of national importance.

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

About you

The successful candidates will ideally have: 

• substantial expertise and experience as a public lawyer, particularly in constitutional law and statutory interpretation. Expertise in public international law or in conducting constitutional litigation would be desirable
• knowledge of the Commonwealth legal environment and policy development processes
• demonstrated ability and commitment to effectively supervise, train, mentor and develop more junior legal staff
• excellent professional judgement, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with influence and build client relationships; and
• the capacity to lead, both within and beyond OGC, and positively contribute to the broader AGS practice. 

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 competitive remuneration packages, including 15.4% superannuation. 

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 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 Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) level (or higher if required).

A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created from this process and will be active for 18 months from the date of advertisement. We may choose to use this merit pool to fill further ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies.

To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button and ensure that you upload a maximum 2 page cover letter indicating your relevant experience with reference to the required skills and experience set out above and in the relevant role description, along with a copy of your CV.

Applications close at 5:00pm (AEST) on Monday, 29 April 2024.

Further enquiries 

Further information can be obtained by contacting Natalie Lightfoot, HR Business Partner on 02 6253 7***.