Senior Lawyers

• Constitutional and public law                      
• Senior Lawyer (Executive Level 1 and Executive Level 2)  
• Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne based 
• Permanent (ongoing) and 18 month (non-ongoing) opportunities              

Opportunities exist for Senior 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.  

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 roles

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is based in Canberra and specialises in the provision of legal advice and assistance to the Commonwealth Government on constitutional and public law, 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 large 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.

In these roles you will: 

• work in the Commonwealth as a trusted legal advisor 
• provide legal advice and assistance to clients in specialist areas including constitutional law, public law and statutory interpretation
• identify and develop new business opportunities with clients. 

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 experienced Lawyers with experience in public law and knowledge of and a strong interest in constitutional law. The successful candidates will ideally have:

• significant experience 
• substantial experience in areas of relevance and a thorough knowledge of the Commonwealth legal environment
• a strong understanding of constitutional law, public law and statutory interpretation
• sound professional and business judgement 
• outstanding research and analytical skills, well-developed written communication skills and the ability to provide clear and succinct written advice
• a demonstrated ability to work under pressure and in urgent circumstances, and to take responsibility for matters and work with limited supervision. 

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 level (or higher if required).

To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button and ensure that you upload a maximum 3-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 (AEDT) on Monday, 18 March 2024.

Further enquiries 

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