The key duties of the position include:
- Executive Level 1 (Senior Associate equivalent)
- Executive Level 2 (Senior Associate/Special Counsel equivalent)
- Opportunity for a career advising the Australian Government on the largest and most significant commercial legal matters
- Attractive remuneration package and flexible working arrangements available
- Ongoing opportunities available in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth
AGS Commercial welcomes applications from commercial lawyers with deep technical legal expertise and excellent client relationship skills to join the Australian Government’s central legal practice.
We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with experience advising on major government projects, construction, information and communications technology, probity and grants. We are also very interested to hear from candidates with corporate law experience.
Roles with AGS Commercial offer long term career options with open door access to some of Australia’s most respected lawyers, and market leading transactions across a range of areas of corporate and commercial law.
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.
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 800 staff, including 576 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.
About the roles
Our commercial lawyers provide specialist commercial legal advice to agencies across the Commonwealth. We provide legal advice to our clients on many of the Australian Government’s largest projects and commercial transactions. Our work is focused on programs and projects that are of national importance, including:
- some of Australia’s largest energy and infrastructure projects
- technology, ICT and IP projects with whole of Australian government impacts
- complex contracting arrangements, including the acquisition of goods and services to support Australia’s national security and defence forces
- integrity, legal process and probity advice to government at the highest levels.
In addition, AGS Commercial lawyers have the opportunity to work on matters and projects for a range of organisations as part of AGS’s pro bono program.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercial lawyer wanting to build the next phase of their legal career advising the Commonwealth of Australia on its most key projects. AGS’s Commercial practice has over 90 lawyers around Australia. Our employment offering is distinct from private law firm roles, corporate in-house roles and other government legal roles. It offers a unique hybrid culture of market leading legal expertise, dedicated client service, affinity with our clients, involvement in matters of national significance and the opportunity for public service, as well as a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.
In these roles you will:
- contribute to the Commonwealth’s most important, high profile and complex national transactions, programs and reforms
- be part of a supportive, collegiate and high performing national legal practice
- provide a high standard of client service and maintain strong client relationships
- work as one of the Australian Government’s most trusted legal advisors; and
- have the opportunity to support community interests though pro bono work. For more information about our pro bono work, refer to our website.
For further information about the requirements of the roles, please refer to the role descriptions available on our recruitment portal.
About you
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- a minimum of 5 years’ PQE for Executive Level 1 roles and a minimum of 8 years’ PQE for Executive Level 2 roles in one or more of the practice areas described above
- excellent technical legal skills and strong academic results
- the ability to initiate, build and maintain strong client relationships and manage multiple client relationships and deadlines
- the ability to meet personal productivity/revenue targets
- demonstrated experience in developing and mentoring more junior lawyers
- the ability to work under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade.
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 lawyers commercially 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 (including paid Christmas shutdown) and wellbeing benefits to support your needs throughout your career.
To apply
To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button and ensure that you upload a 1-2 page cover letter along with a copy of your CV and academic transcripts.
Applications close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Monday, 27 October 2025.
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Kim Da Pozzo, HR Business Partner, Commercial on 02 6253 7***.
Eligibility
You must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level.
Getting to know the Australian Government Solicitor
AGS is unique. Regarded as the leading providers of legal services to government, we are a national, commercially competitive law practice within the Attorney-General’s Department. Our team of around 800 employees, located in 7 offices around Australia, provides expert services in all areas of law connected with government.
📌 Senior Lawyer
🏢 Australian Attorney-General'S Department
📍 Sydney