Job Description
We are seeking two Junior Lawyers to be based in either our Sydney or Brisbane locations. Full-time and part-time hours are available. Offers will be based on candidate performance and operational requirements.
About the OFWO
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO) is an independent statutory office established by the Fair Work Act 200+ (Fair Work Act). Our functions outline the responsibilities we have as set by the Fair Work Act and other legislation to achieve our purpose:
provide education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations
promote and monitor compliance with workplace laws
inquire into and investigate breaches of the Fair Work Act
take appropriate enforcement action
perform our statutory functions efficiently, effectively, economically and ethically.
What our employees say about us
We are one of the most engaged and high performing agencies in Australia; consistently scoring above average on employee engagement and wellbeing when surveyed against other APS agencies.
What we offer you
We provide a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment with access to:
Great training and development opportunities
Generous leave and flexible working arrangements
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free counselling service for you and your family
A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation
Rewards and recognition initiatives
We Value Diversity
OFWO has been accredited as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace since 2011. We are also members of the Australian Network on Disability and Pride in Diversity. We encourage and welcome applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment with the OFWO you must be an Australian citizen.
The successful candidate must hold a current Australian Government Security Clearance (AGSVA) or be willing to undergo and obtain a Baseline security clearance.
A range of other conditions may be required depending on the role you are applying for.
About the Team
Legal Enforcement Branch 2 has two teams of legal professionals who work collaboratively to progress a high volume of civil penalty litigations relating to Commonwealth workplace relations laws. We work with internal stakeholders to identify and progress significant litigation matters including matters involving large corporations, serious contraventions and complex legal issues. We provide advice on the progress of investigations and different enforcement options, and the implementation of legislative reform within the OFWO’s jurisdiction. Lawyers in our practice work on cases where in-house lawyers are solicitors on the record, as well as having the opportunity to work with external counsel and solicitors.
Typical Duties
As a Junior Lawyer (APS Level 4), you will have the opportunity to build and develop your capability by:
Contributing to and conducting civil penalty litigation matters that shape the law and deter non-compliance;
Drafting a wide range of court documents, including affidavits, statements of claim and submissions;
Researching legal matters and providing legal advice relating to the FWO’s functions, investigations;
Appearing at Court for hearings, such as directions hearings or penalty hearings;
Working with a broad cross-section of stakeholders across a range of sectors, including the legal profession, Courts and the wider public sector; and
Being a part of a responsive and dynamic Agency committed to innovation.
What we are looking for
We are seeking exceptional lawyers with a can-do attitude who are agile and adaptable and who are committed to achieving fairness in Australian workplaces.
You will need to hold a degree in Law from an Australian university (or overseas equivalent qualification) and admission, or eligibility for admission, to the Supreme Court in your State and the High Court of Australia. You will need to have (or be able to obtain at the time of commencing the role) a practising certificate.
As a Junior Lawyer, you will generally have at least a year of post-qualification practice experience, and/or other translatable experience in workplace relations or regulatory contexts.
How to Apply
If you are excited about this opportunity, please tell us in no more than 800 words:
Why you want to apply for this role?
How your skills and experience address the requirements of this role.
All applications must be submitted via our online application system through the OFWO website.
If you have any questions about this recruitment exercise, please email [email protected].
Please ensure you check your junk mail throughout the recruitment process, as sometimes our emails sent from our online system end up in junk mail folders.
Applications close 11:00pm (AEST) Tuesday 17 September 2026
More Information
Working with us and tips on applying, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/careers
OFWO’s purpose and functions, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/our-role-and-purpose
Office locations, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/offices
About the OFWO
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO) is an independent statutory office established by the Fair Work Act 200+ (Fair Work Act). Our functions outline the responsibilities we have as set by the Fair Work Act and other legislation to achieve our purpose:
provide education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations
promote and monitor compliance with workplace laws
inquire into and investigate breaches of the Fair Work Act
take appropriate enforcement action
perform our statutory functions efficiently, effectively, economically and ethically.
What our employees say about us
We are one of the most engaged and high performing agencies in Australia; consistently scoring above average on employee engagement and wellbeing when surveyed against other APS agencies.
What we offer you
We provide a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment with access to:
Great training and development opportunities
Generous leave and flexible working arrangements
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free counselling service for you and your family
A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation
Rewards and recognition initiatives
We Value Diversity
OFWO has been accredited as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace since 2011. We are also members of the Australian Network on Disability and Pride in Diversity. We encourage and welcome applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment with the OFWO you must be an Australian citizen.
The successful candidate must hold a current Australian Government Security Clearance (AGSVA) or be willing to undergo and obtain a Baseline security clearance.
A range of other conditions may be required depending on the role you are applying for.
About the Team
Legal Enforcement Branch 2 has two teams of legal professionals who work collaboratively to progress a high volume of civil penalty litigations relating to Commonwealth workplace relations laws. We work with internal stakeholders to identify and progress significant litigation matters including matters involving large corporations, serious contraventions and complex legal issues. We provide advice on the progress of investigations and different enforcement options, and the implementation of legislative reform within the OFWO’s jurisdiction. Lawyers in our practice work on cases where in-house lawyers are solicitors on the record, as well as having the opportunity to work with external counsel and solicitors.
Typical Duties
As a Junior Lawyer (APS Level 4), you will have the opportunity to build and develop your capability by:
Contributing to and conducting civil penalty litigation matters that shape the law and deter non-compliance;
Drafting a wide range of court documents, including affidavits, statements of claim and submissions;
Researching legal matters and providing legal advice relating to the FWO’s functions, investigations;
Appearing at Court for hearings, such as directions hearings or penalty hearings;
Working with a broad cross-section of stakeholders across a range of sectors, including the legal profession, Courts and the wider public sector; and
Being a part of a responsive and dynamic Agency committed to innovation.
What we are looking for
We are seeking exceptional lawyers with a can-do attitude who are agile and adaptable and who are committed to achieving fairness in Australian workplaces.
You will need to hold a degree in Law from an Australian university (or overseas equivalent qualification) and admission, or eligibility for admission, to the Supreme Court in your State and the High Court of Australia. You will need to have (or be able to obtain at the time of commencing the role) a practising certificate.
As a Junior Lawyer, you will generally have at least a year of post-qualification practice experience, and/or other translatable experience in workplace relations or regulatory contexts.
How to Apply
If you are excited about this opportunity, please tell us in no more than 800 words:
Why you want to apply for this role?
How your skills and experience address the requirements of this role.
All applications must be submitted via our online application system through the OFWO website.
If you have any questions about this recruitment exercise, please email [email protected].
Please ensure you check your junk mail throughout the recruitment process, as sometimes our emails sent from our online system end up in junk mail folders.
Applications close 11:00pm (AEST) Tuesday 17 September 2026
More Information
Working with us and tips on applying, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/careers
OFWO’s purpose and functions, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/our-role-and-purpose
Office locations, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/offices
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Junior Lawyer position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Brisbane offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
