* Positions available in a range of Dispute Resolution areas
* Lawyers (APS5 and APS6) - Permanent (ongoing) and non-ongoing roles
* Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane
Multiple opportunities exist for Dispute Resolution lawyers to advise and represent the Commonwealth in legal matters across a range of areas, including Administrative Law, Tax, Employment, Entitlements, Security and Enforcement, Civil Regulation, and Civil Claims.
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 over 576 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.
About the roles
The AGS Dispute Resolution practice (DR) is Australia's pre-eminent public law litigation practice. It has unrivalled experience and specialist expertise in providing dispute related legal advice and representation in every jurisdiction in Australia, across a diverse range of legal matters for Commonwealth agencies, including a very significant practice representing the Commonwealth's regulatory enforcement agencies, administrative law, tax litigation, employment law, torts law and information access law. AGS acts for the Commonwealth in the full range of disputes to which it is a party or in which it has an interest (including access to sensitive information) and advises on investigations including for law enforcement and national security agencies. DR also represents the Commonwealth before inquests, inquiries and royal commissions, and as the solicitor assisting royal commissions. In addition, DR has a specialist in-house counsel practice, led by Tim Begbie KC.
Roles are available across the DR practice. This will include:
* Administrative Law: working on sensitive Administrative Law litigation matters for the Commonwealth, including judicial review proceedings commenced in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia under the Judiciary Act 1903, the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 and the Migration Act 1958, merits review proceedings in the Administrative Review Tribunal and information access disputes in a range of jurisdictions.
* Employment law: working for the Commonwealth in disputes that may include advice and litigation on employment law and workplace relations matters, including before courts and the Fair Work Commission.
* Civil Claims: working on a broad range of commercial and civil disputes in state and Commonwealth courts, including class actions, tort claims, commercial litigation, native title cases, and a range of other disputes, as well as work for royal commissions and inquiries.
* Entitlements Law: advising the Commonwealth in disputes that may include advice and litigation involving an entitlement under Commonwealth legislation, and matters before courts and tribunals.
* Tax Law: working on a range of litigation and pre-litigation matters for the Commissioner of Taxation and assisting with litigation across a range of jurisdictions, including the Federal Court, Administrative Review Tribunal and State courts, as well as associated judicial review applications.
* Civil Regulation: working on some of Australia's most significant and complex competition and consumer cases, financial services and corporate regulatory cases, or other regulatory litigation matters, at the investigative stage, at trial, and on appeal.
* Security and Enforcement: working on sensitive litigation matters for Commonwealth law enforcement and security agencies, including managing and advising Commonwealth agencies on disclosure and protection of information in civil and criminal proceedings, acting for the Commonwealth in applications for control orders and post-sentence orders under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) and advising Commonwealth agencies on the use of investigative powers.
* Representing a range of Commonwealth agencies in dealings with other parties, witnesses and counsel.
For further information about the requirements of the roles please refer to the role descriptions available below.
About you
These roles will suit lawyers with experience or interest in dispute resolution and particularly in the areas referred to above. The successful candidates will ideally have:
* generally, at least 1-5 years' experience in the relevant field
* experience in other areas of law relevant to the work of Dispute Resolution
* a strong understanding of relevant law in the area and the ability to clearly articulate technical arguments and draft advisory opinions
* the ability to work closely with clients to achieve outcomes
* excellent interpersonal skills, negotiation 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 recognised and rewarded. We offer our lawyers commercially competitive remuneration packages, including 15.4% superannuation.
With open door access to some of Australia's most respected lawyers, we are a developer of talent and critical thinking and you will partner with our clients to deliver creative solutions to current and emerging legal issues of national importance.
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, including working from home arrangements, 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 NV2 level.
To apply, please click the 'Begin' button. Applications close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Monday, 17 November
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Jill Mackay, HR Business Partner on
Role Description - Lawyer (APS 5) Opens in new window