Job Description
Lawyers – APS Level 5 and APS Level 6 (Associate equivalent)
Opportunities in our Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane offices
Flexible working arrangements available
Permanent roles exist for experienced property lawyers to join the Australian Government’s central legal practice. 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.
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 715 staff, including 500 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.
About the roles
Our commercial lawyers work with Commonwealth agencies across all areas of commercial practice. We act as lead legal adviser for our clients on many of the Australian Government’s largest projects and commercial transactions. The work of our property practice is focused on policies and programs that are of national importance, including:
some of Australia’s largest property projects including pre-commitment leasing and management of significant property portfolios
the acquisition of water entitlements for environmental purposes
complex acquisition and disposals of property by lease and freehold including intergovernmental arrangements
complex and precedential property related matters including advising on legal structures for delivery of property projects, development of template, front end construction, and leading complex legal negotiations in high value property acquisitions and disposals.
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 property lawyer wanting to build the next phase of their legal career advising the Commonwealth of Australia on its most important projects. AGS’s Commercial practice has over 80 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 below.
About you
The successful candidates will ideally have:
a minimum of 1 year PQE for APS Level 5 roles, and 3 years’ PQE for APS Level 6 roles
excellent technical legal skills and strong academic results
the ability to initiate, build and maintain strong client relationships including ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines
the ability to work under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade
capacity to meet personal net production/productivity/revenue targets.
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.
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 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
You must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level. To apply, please click the “Begin” 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 (AEST) on Friday 18 July, 2026.
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Kim Da Pozzo, HR Business Partner Commercial on 02 6253 7272.
Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 5) Opens in new window
Opportunities in our Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane offices
Flexible working arrangements available
Permanent roles exist for experienced property lawyers to join the Australian Government’s central legal practice. 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.
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 715 staff, including 500 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.
About the roles
Our commercial lawyers work with Commonwealth agencies across all areas of commercial practice. We act as lead legal adviser for our clients on many of the Australian Government’s largest projects and commercial transactions. The work of our property practice is focused on policies and programs that are of national importance, including:
some of Australia’s largest property projects including pre-commitment leasing and management of significant property portfolios
the acquisition of water entitlements for environmental purposes
complex acquisition and disposals of property by lease and freehold including intergovernmental arrangements
complex and precedential property related matters including advising on legal structures for delivery of property projects, development of template, front end construction, and leading complex legal negotiations in high value property acquisitions and disposals.
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 property lawyer wanting to build the next phase of their legal career advising the Commonwealth of Australia on its most important projects. AGS’s Commercial practice has over 80 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 below.
About you
The successful candidates will ideally have:
a minimum of 1 year PQE for APS Level 5 roles, and 3 years’ PQE for APS Level 6 roles
excellent technical legal skills and strong academic results
the ability to initiate, build and maintain strong client relationships including ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines
the ability to work under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade
capacity to meet personal net production/productivity/revenue targets.
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.
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 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
You must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level. To apply, please click the “Begin” 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 (AEST) on Friday 18 July, 2026.
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Kim Da Pozzo, HR Business Partner Commercial on 02 6253 7272.
Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 5) Opens in new window
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Lawyer - Property position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Canberra 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.
