Senior Lawyer

• Senior Lawyers (Executive Level 1 and Executive level 2) 
• Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
• Ongoing (permanent) or non-ongoing roles

AGS is seeking Senior Lawyers who possess experience in regulatory litigation, including competition and consumer law, financial services and corporate regulatory law, or other Commonwealth regulatory litigation matters.

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

The AGS Dispute Resolution practice (DR) is Australia’s pre-eminent public law litigation practice. It has unrivalled experience and specialist expertise in providing dispute related legal advice and representation in every jurisdiction in Australia, across a diverse range of legal matters for Commonwealth agencies, including a very significant practice representing the Commonwealth’s regulatory enforcement agencies, administrative law, tax litigation, employment law, torts law and information access law. AGS acts for the Commonwealth in the full range of disputes to which it is a party or in which it has an interest (including access to sensitive information) and advises on investigations including for law enforcement and national security agencies. DR also represents the Commonwealth before inquests, inquiries and royal commissions, and as the solicitor assisting royal commissions. In addition, DR has a specialist in-house counsel practice, led by Tim Begbie KC.

In these roles you will: 

• work on competition and consumer cases, financial services and corporate regulatory cases, or other regulatory litigation and advice matters
• effectively represent Commonwealth agencies in dealings with other parties, witnesses and counsel 
• provide a high standard of client service and maintain strong client relationships
• supervise and mentor junior colleagues
• be part of the AGS Dispute Resolution team.

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

About you

These roles will suit dispute resolution Senior Lawyers with experience in competition and consumer law, financial services and corporate regulatory law, or other Commonwealth regulatory litigation. The successful candidates will ideally have: 

• generally, at least 5 years’ (EL1) or 7 years’ (EL2) post-admission experience in the relevant field
• experience in regulatory work or litigation, the ability to clearly articulate technical arguments, draft advice, and assist with the conduct of Federal Court proceedings
• the ability to work closely with clients to achieve strong regulatory outcomes
• excellent interpersonal skills, negotiation skills and the ability to persuade.

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 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 NV2 level. 

To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button. Applications close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Friday, 2 February 2024.

Further enquiries 

Further information can be obtained by contacting Jill Mackay, HR Business Partner on 02 9581 7***.