Lawyer - Office Of General Counsel

Australian Government; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous leave entitlements

15.4% superannuation

Job summary

Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is seeking high-performing lawyers to join the Office of General Counsel (OGC) team. You will work on significant matters, provide strategic advice to Commonwealth clients, and contribute to legal outcomes that influence government decision‑making, public administration and the development of Australian law.

Working alongside some of Australia’s leading government lawyers, you will have the opportunity to build trusted client relationships, and work on

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop precise legal arguments and prepare high-quality written legal advice.
• Wamiliar with time recording environments and meeting deadlines.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain NV2 security clearance; Australian citizenship.
• Experience in high-profile or complex constitutional/public law matters.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality legal services to Commonwealth clients.
• Provide strategic legal advice and assistance to clients.
• Build strong client relationships and identify new business opportunities.

Skills

Legal research

Legal drafting

Client communication

Time management

Education

Admission to practice

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

• Lawyer (APS5 and APS6)
• Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney
• Ongoing (permanent) and non-ongoing (12 months) opportunities – Full-time

Work on legal matters that shape Australia

We are seeking high-performing lawyers to join our Office of General Counsel (OGC) team. In this role, you will work on significant and often high-profile matters, provide strategic advice to Commonwealth clients, and contribute to legal outcomes that influence government decision‑making, public administration and the development of Australian law.

Working alongside some of Australia’s leading government lawyers, you will have the opportunity to build trusted client relationships, and work on matters of national significance.

If you are looking for intellectually challenging work, direct client engagement, and the opportunity to contribute to matters of national significance, we encourage you to apply.

About the roles

As a Lawyer, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality legal services to Commonwealth clients and contributing to the success of the practice.

OGC is a team of approximately 110 lawyers specialising in the provision of legal advice and assistance to the Commonwealth Government on:

• constitutional and public law
• complex statutory interpretation and the development
• the 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. This work touches on core aspects of Australia's system of government, with often enduring implications for the Commonwealth and the nation and often involves advising on matters of national security.

In these roles you will:

• work in the Commonwealth as a trusted legal adviser
• provide legal advice and assistance to clients
• 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 us

Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is the Australian Government's central legal practice and trusted legal adviser. As part of the Attorney‑General's Department, AGS advises and represents the Commonwealth on some of Australia's most complex, significant and high‑profile legal matters.

Operating as a fee‑for‑service legal practice, AGS competes with private sector providers for the majority of its work while delivering legal services that support the national interest.

With more than 550 lawyers and approximately 800 professionals across Australia, AGS combines the scale and sophistication of leading private practice with the opportunity to contribute to outcomes that shape government, public administration and the development of Australian law.

Why join AGS?

• National impact: Work on legal matters that influence government decision‑making, public policy and the administration of law across Australia.
• Complex and challenging work: Advise on significant, sensitive and often precedent‑setting matters.
• Professional growth: Work alongside recognised experts and access ongoing professional development, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
• Flexible working: Benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support both professional and personal commitments.
• Competitive employment conditions: Enjoy an attractive remuneration package, 15.4% superannuation and generous leave entitlements.

Few legal practices can offer the opportunity to work on matters that combine legal complexity, public impact and direct engagement with government decision‑makers.

In addition, AGS lawyers have the opportunity to work on matters and projects for a range of organisations as part of AGS’s pro bono program.

About you

We are interested in lawyers who combine strong technical legal expertise with sound judgement, leadership capability and a commitment to client service.

Essential requirements

• legal experience of relevance to the position, with a proven ability to develop precise legal arguments and prepare high‑quality written legal advice
• proven record or a demonstrated capacity to work in a time recording environment
• proven ability to work well under pressure, strong interpersonal, persuasive, and creative problem‑solving skills
• entry in the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia or the roll of barristers and solicitors of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory
• be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) level, or higher if required
• Australian Citizenship.

Highly desirable

• generally, 1‑3 years or more post‑admission experience as a practising lawyer
• a detailed knowledge of the Commonwealth legal environment and experience in advising and/or representing the Commonwealth (or other government)
• professional standing in the Commonwealth public sector and/or legal profession
• knowledge of additional legal areas applicable to the team and practice
• proven ability to collaborate with clients to achieve outcomes.

The application process

Your application will include:

• 1. a resume (2–3 pages) detailing your skills and experience
• 2. a copy of your academic transcript
• 3. a 2-page cover letter detailing your skills and experience
• 4. details for at least 2 referees, one being your current, or most recent, supervisor.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further, please contact Natalie Lightfoot, HR Business Partner at 02 6253 7529 or [e-mail]

Our Commitment to Inclusion

AGS is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and high‑performing workforce. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process.

Use of artificial intelligence (AI) in AGS recruitment

We may use AI tools to support administrative tasks during recruitment processes. For further information about the use of AI in AGS recruitment, please visit our careers portal

AGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

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