Lawyers - Office of General Counsel

• Constitutional and public law
• Lawyers at various levels - Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney based
• Full-time - 18 month non-ongoing and ongoing opportunities

AGS is seeking applications from Lawyers at the APS 4, APS 5 and APS 6 levels with experience in specialist areas of constitutional law, public law, or statutory interpretation who are highly motivated to join our Office of General Counsel team.

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. OGC’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.

Relocation to the Canberra office is encouraged, otherwise successful candidates are expected to travel to the Canberra office regularly.

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
• build strong client relationships and identify and develop new business opportunities.

For further information about the requirements of the roles, please refer to the role descriptions available below. About you
These roles will suit Lawyers who have a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (JD) (with a strong academic record), are admitted to practice law in Australia and possess the following skills and experience:

• experience in areas of relevance and knowledge of the Commonwealth legal environment
• excellent problem solving, research, analytical and writing skills
• a demonstrated ability to work under pressure and in urgent circumstances, either alone or as a member of a team and to take responsibility for matters under supervision
• excellent interpersonal, negotiation and persuasion skills
• capacity to meet personal net production/productivity/revenue targets
• the ability to contribute to or prepare cost estimates for matters and effectively manage matters in accordance with agreed client arrangements
• the ability to identify new business opportunities with clients and develop and maintain strong client relations.

High quality applicants who will be admitted to practice law in 2024 should also submit their application and will be considered at the APS 4 level. If rated suitable, any employment offer would be conditional on being admitted prior to engagement taking effect. 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 ‘Begin’ 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 (AEST) on Monday, 15 July 2024. Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Natalie Lightfoot, Human Resources Business Partner on 02 6253 7529.

Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 3,4) Opens in new window

Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 5) Opens in new window