• Senior Lawyer - Corporate Adviser team
• Ongoing and non-ongoing (12 month) opportunity
• Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney

An opportunity exists for an experienced Senior Lawyer to join the AGS Corporate Adviser team working closely with the AGS Corporate Adviser (SES Band 1). The Corporate Adviser team supports the Australian Government Solicitor and AGS senior leadership by advising on legal, professional and ethical obligations relating to AGS’s legal practice. The work of the team is varied, complex and fast-paced. The team works collaboratively with lawyers across AGS’s three legal practice areas (AGS Dispute Resolution, the Office of General Counsel and AGS Commercial).

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 offices in every capital city and a team of 715 staff, including over 500 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.

About the role
The role is part of the Corporate Adviser team. The team performs a corporate counsel-type role, providing legal advice and assistance to the Australian Government Solicitor and AGS senior leadership in relation to the legal, professional and ethical framework within which AGS operates. The team performs a key integrity role for AGS, advising on compliance with the statutory framework within which AGS operates, including the Judiciary Act 1903, the Legal Services Directions 2017 and other Commonwealth laws; AGS lawyers’ professional obligations; and compliance with the model litigant obligation. The team advises on a diverse range of legal matters, from the interpretation of complex statutory regimes to litigation, employment matters to contracts. The work is interesting, complex and novel, reflecting the broad range of legal work performed by AGS for the Commonwealth. It is stimulating and challenging work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

In this role you will:

• provide legal advice and assistance to the Australian Government Solicitor, AGS senior leadership and AGS lawyers on diverse and complex legal, professional or ethical issues
• use effective written communication skills to contribute to and produce clear and accurate legal advice, briefs, internal policies/guidance, reports, determinations and directions to AGS staff
• build on existing record keeping systems, document work procedures and manage precedents for the team.

For further information about the requirements of the role, please refer to the role description below.

About you
The successful candidate will ideally have the following attributes:

• generally at least 8 years’ experience as a lawyer
• strong legal skills, preferably with a background in litigation and statutory interpretation
• experience in advising on professional and ethical obligations
• good knowledge of the Commonwealth legal environment
• excellent legal research skills and attention to detail
• strong written communication skills
• excellent interpersonal skills
• the ability to work collaboratively in a small team
• excellent time management skills, the ability to prioritise tasks and be flexible and adapt to changing priorities.

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 workplace can be demanding at times, we also provide access to a range of flexible working options, 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 Negative Vetting 2.

To apply, please click the ‘Begin’ button and ensure that you upload a maximum 2-page cover letter indicating your relevant experience with reference to the required skills and experience set out above and in the relevant role description, along with a copy of your CV.

Applications close at 5:00pm (AEST) on Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Natalie Lightfoot, AGS Human Resources Business Partner on 02 6253 7529.