Senior Lawyer & Lawyer - Afp Operations Legal

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified, professional, enthusiastic and committed lawyers wishing to be considered for the role of Senior Lawyer or Lawyer - AFP Operations Legal.

AFP Legal is the AFP's internal legal practice, delivering legal services across the wide spectrum of AFP activities both domestically and overseas. AFP lawyers work in an exciting, dynamic and intellectually challenging environment providing legal advice in areas including criminal law, information law, national security law, dispute resolution, administrative law, employment law, commercial law, and governance.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant legal practice that has a diverse and exciting range of work and internal clients, and is committed to the development of its lawyers, and the maintenance of a supportive and flexible working environment.

As an employee of the AFP you will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

The AFP Operations Legal team is responsible for providing high quality, cost effective professional legal services that directly support the operational activities of the AFP.

Further information regarding the requirements of these roles, and guidance on the process, can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.

Essential requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• All applicants must either hold a current practising certificate or be eligible to apply for one.
• Hold tertiary qualifications in law and possess contemporary relevant legal knowledge and experience.
• A minimum of 1-5 years post admission experience for lawyers and 5+ years post admission experience for Senior Lawyers.

Desirable requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Experience in prosecutions or other relevant regulatory agencies (State or Commonwealth).
• Experience in Commonwealth criminal law, litigation, subpoenas, Federal law court processes and/or witness protection.
• Experience in information protection and statutory interpretation. Experience working in a national security environment.
• Experience working in a national security environment.

Additional notes

• These positions are AFP Broadband 3 - 8.
• Positions may be filled at the AFP Band 3 to 8 levels, within the AFP Legal Officer Broadband 3 - 8, depending upon the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
• Note: Current AFP lawyers are not eligible to apply for a promotion or advancement through this process.
• Roles within the Operations Legal team also attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2017- 2020, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their Base Salary which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.
• AFP employees are required to have received a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used). Satisfactory proof of vaccination status will be required at the time an offer of employment is made. Please contact the Recruitment Team if you wish to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine requirements further.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion is an operational priority for the Australian Federal Police (AFP). To be an effective police force, we must be reflective of the community we serve, working across languages, cultures and transnational borders. The 2023-26 Diversity & Inclusion Strategy is the guiding framework for delivering the AFP’s diversity and inclusion goals and reflecting our commitment to being an employer of choice, incorporating diversity and inclusion principles in day-to-day practice and building a psychologically and culturally safe workplace. This includes hiring people from diverse backgrounds who bring their lived experience to contribute, and add value, to the AFP. Find out more about how the AFP embraces diversity and inclusion.

Contact Officer - Shelley Miller,

Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 7***, ​

Contact Officer Email: **************@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 31/01/2024