Senior Legal Assistant

Australian Government; Sydney; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15.4% superannuation

Job summary

The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is seeking expressions of interest from Senior Legal Assistants to join AGS Commercial in Sydney. This APS5 level role provides high-quality administrative support to a core team of commercial lawyers in a fast-paced environment.

You will work across a national team, mentor junior staff, and help with billing, diary management, and document preparation, with opportunities for professional growth and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Administrative experience in legal or professional environments (3+ years).
• Strong attention to detail and a professional approach.
• Commitment to high-quality client service.
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with common software (Word, Outlook, Adobe) and MS Office; familiarity with legal practice software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality legal and administrative support to a core group of lawyers.
• Maintain legal files and assist with client enquiries.
• Manage lawyers' diaries and travel arrangements.
• Assist with client billing and reporting to align with AGS requirements.
• Prepare, and where needed draft, documents for clients, registries or other bodies.
• Work as part of a national team and support junior staff.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Client service

Written and oral communication

Multitasking

Tools

Word

Outlook

Adobe

PowerPoint

Legal practice software

Job description

• Senior Legal Assistant (APS5) AGS Commercial
• Sydney
• Full-time, ongoing (12-month non-ongoing position may be offered)

The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is seeking expressions of interest from Senior Legal Assistants to join AGS Commercial supporting our commercial lawyers in Sydney. If you are interested in progressing your career in legal administration, please consider the role description available below and apply.

About us

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 over 550 lawyers and a team of approximately 800 professionals nationwide, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.

About the role

Our commercial lawyers provide specialist commercial legal advice to agencies across the Commonwealth on some of the Australian Government's largest projects and commercial transactions. You will take responsibility for providing outstanding administrative support to a core group of lawyers and assisting other legal support staff from around the country when required.

We are seeking a candidate who is looking to further develop their career in legal administration and who demonstrates a strong work ethic, attention to detail and a commitment to providing outstanding administrative support to lawyers. This role requires the ability to work as part of a team and deliver professional administrative services in a fast-paced legal environment.

The role is at the APS5 classification level. The APS5 role requires a high level of autonomy, responsibility for complex work, and a demonstrated ability to support team capability, mentor staff and contribute to continuous improvement.

As a member of our Legal Support team, you will:

• provide high quality legal and administrative support, taking an active role in assisting our lawyers to deliver a high standard of legal services to our clients
• maintain legal files and assist with client enquiries
• manage lawyers' diaries and travel
• assist with client billing and reporting, ensuring that administrative procedures align with AGS requirements
• assist to prepare, and in some cases draft, documents relevant to your role and send these to clients, registries or other bodies
• work as part of a national team
• support, mentor and develop more junior administrative staff.

Please refer to the role description available below for duties and responsibilities of the role including qualifications and relevant professional experience, knowledge and skills.

To be successful in the role you will have:

• administrative experience relevant to the role, generally 3 or more years in a legal or similar professional environment
• interest and experience in legal administrative roles, excellent attention to detail and a professional approach, including the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy
• a genuine commitment and ability to deliver high-quality client service
• well-developed written and oral communication skills
• strong knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Outlook, Adobe), and technical skills in Microsoft Office and PowerPoint; experience in legal practice software systems would be an advantage
• a team-oriented and proactive mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to the success of the team
• a genuine interest in developing your administrative skills further, with a focus on learning and improving processes as you grow within the role.

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 work can be demanding at times, we also provide access to a range of flexible working options, generous leave entitlements and well-being benefits to support your needs throughout your career.

To apply you must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level.

You will need to include your CV and a cover letter (both no more than 2 pages) indicating relevant experience with reference to the skills and experience required for the role.

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 employment page Employment | AGS

Further enquiries

Further information can be obtained by contacting Mary Morris, National Coordinator Commercial on 03 9242 1497.