Senior Lawyer

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

Opportunities exist for Dispute Resolution Senior Lawyers to join our Tax team undertaking litigation in a range of practice areas including judicial review proceedings and tax appeals for the Commissioner of Taxation in the Federal Court and AAT.

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 over 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 a range of litigation matters including a range of litigation and advice matters for the Commissioner of Taxation
• manage or assist with litigation across a range of jurisdictions, including the Federal Court, Administrative Appeals Tribunal and State Courts
• represent Commonwealth agencies in dealings with other parties, witnesses and counsel
• undertake work in other areas of law relevant to the work of AGS Dispute Resolution. 

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

About you

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 the relevant field and in other areas of law relevant to the work of dispute resolution
• experience in managing commonwealth litigation matters 
• a strong understanding of relevant law in the area and the ability to clearly articulate technical arguments and draft advisory opinions
• the ability to work under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade,

think creatively and deliver innovative client‑focused legal solutions.

• 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 Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) level.

To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button. Applications close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Sunday, 10 March 2024.

Further enquiries 

Further information can be obtained by contacting Jill Mackay, HR Business Partner on 02 9581 7568.