• Deputy Chief Solicitor - Senior Executive Service Band 2
• Ongoing permanent

Unparalleled opportunity to provide strategic legal advice on matters of national significance. Are you a seasoned legal professional ready to take on a senior leadership role where your expertise will directly influence government decisions? The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is seeking a highly skilled Deputy Chief Solicitor (SES Band 2) to join the AGS Commercial practice. This is a unique opportunity to lead, advise, and manage legal matters of national significance.

About AGS:
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.

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, AGS 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 715 staff, including 500 lawyers, AGS work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.

About the Role:
As the Deputy Chief Solicitor – AGS Commercial, you will be recognised as a leading expert in commercial law, both within AGS and across the wider legal landscape. You’ll manage high-stakes legal matters that are critical to the Australian Government, offering strategic advice and representation across all jurisdictions. This role requires a visionary leader who can navigate complex, sensitive issues with professional independence and authority.

The Deputy Chief Solicitor is a senior professional leader and role model in AGS, with significant national practice group responsibility in their area of legal specialisation. This includes for developing legal expertise and capability, building client relationships and improving service delivery. As a senior professional leader, they also provide a point of escalation to resolve sensitive and complex commercial legal issues.

You will:

• 
  Lead with Expertise: As a senior legal expert, you will navigate a multifaceted legal landscape, managing high-stakes legal matters with significant government and client implications. Your expertise will be recognized both within AGS and externally, allowing you to represent AGS in senior-level forums and influence key decisions.
• Strategic Impact: Operate at a strategic level with limited direction, managing complex legal matters across various areas of law, jurisdictions, and geographic locations. Your decisions will shape the legal strategies that uphold Commonwealth policy and interests.
• Client Engagement: Develop and maintain high-level professional relationships with senior client representatives, positioning AGS as a trusted and high-valued legal services provider. You will be at the forefront of identifying emerging business opportunities and driving new service offerings.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Supervise and support a team of lawyers, fostering their professional development and career progression. Your leadership will be instrumental in building a sustainable practice that delivers exceptional legal services and achieves practice group goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with Chief Counsel AGS Commercial, National Leader and Manager, Client Service Managers, Team Leaders, and senior practitioners in AGS Commercial and other practice areas.
• Deliver top-tier legal services that not only meet but exceed client expectations, managing significant legal and business risks.
• Lead and mentor a team of talented lawyers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous professional development.
• Strategically plan and oversee legal services for complex, high-risk client matters, setting the benchmark for quality and consistency.
• Achieve personal revenue expectations.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior government officials and other key stakeholders, enhancing AGS’s reputation as a premier legal service provider.
• Represent AGS at the highest levels in both internal and external forums, contributing to business development and client retention efforts.
• Play a pivotal role in developing AGS’s legal capabilities, ensuring our teams are equipped to handle the challenges of tomorrow.
• Development of practice group legal capability and expertise through leading teams of lawyers in AGS’s legal matters, advice on complex legal issues and sharing of legal knowledge through mentoring arrangements and involvement in relevant AGS networks and professional development programs.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace, adhering to the highest standards of conduct and compliance.

Qualifications and Experience:

• On 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.
• A seasoned legal professional with substantial experience at a senior executive or senior partner level, ideally within the Commonwealth legal environment.
• Proven expertise as a leading authority in commercial law, with a track record of managing complex, high-risk legal matters.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide teams, alongside a commitment to mentoring the next generation of legal talent.
• Australian citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting 2 level and be willing to undergo Positive Vetting level as required.

What’s on offer at AGS?

• Leadership Opportunity: Influence and lead in a high-impact role with significant professional management responsibilities.
• Diverse Challenges: Gain access to the most exclusive and high-profile commonwealth legal work, advising on complex legal matters across various jurisdictions and areas of law.
• Professional Growth: Join a team committed to excellence, where your expertise will be recognized and valued.
• Location: AGS supports the location of this position in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.
• Remuneration: Commercially competitive remuneration packages, including 15.4% superannuation.
• Culture: AGS is a supportive organisation which embraces diversity. AGS 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
If you're ready to lead, innovate, and shape the future of government legal services, apply today to become a Deputy Chief Solicitor with AGS. Seize the opportunity to make a lasting impact and drive legal excellence within the Australian Government.

You must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level. To apply, please email Jackie Jones at Michael Page jackiejones@michaelpage.com.au

Please ensure you upload a maximum 2-page cover letter along with a copy of your CV. To apply, please click here.

All inquiries will be treated in strictest confidence.

Closing date: Monday, 7 October 2024.