Job Description
Lawyers (APS4, APS5 and APS6)
Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
Permanent (ongoing) and non-ongoing roles
Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lawyers to join the Australian Government’s central legal practice. Roles with AGS offer long term career options with open door access to some of Australia’s most respected lawyers.
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
Roles are available in the following areas of our practice:
Commercial: 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. Our work is focused on policies and programs that are of national importance, including:
some of Australia’s largest energy and infrastructure projects
complex contracting arrangements, including the acquisition of goods and services to support Australia’s national security and defence forces
cutting edge information technology transactions and projects.
The Commercial team is located in all capital cities, except Hobart.
Dispute Resolution (DR): 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. The DR team is located in all capital cities.
Office of the General Counsel (OGC): The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is a team of approximately 110 lawyers who specialise in the provision of legal advice and assistance to the Commonwealth Government on constitutional and public law, complex statutory interpretation and the development, implementation and administration of legislation. OGC also acts for the Commonwealth in High Court constitutional litigation and coordinating the conduct of other cases involving constitutional issues. This work touches on core aspects of Australia's system of government, with often enduring implications for the Commonwealth and the nation OGC has practitioners located in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
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 the areas referred to above. The successful candidates will ideally have:
a strong understanding of the relevant law in the area
the ability to clearly articulate technical arguments and draft advisory opinions
the ability to work closely with clients to achieve outcomes
the ability to meet personal time recording targets
excellent interpersonal skills, negotiation skills and the ability to persuade
for candidates wishing to apply for roles at the APS5 or APS6 level, a minimum of:
generally, 1 year post-admission experience for the APS5 level
generally, 3 years post-admission experience for the APS6 level.
High quality applicants who will be admitted to practice law in 2026 will be considered at the APS4 level. If rated suitable, any employment offer would be conditional on being admitted prior to engagement taking effect.
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 and takes pride in actively creating a culturally safe, inclusive and caring environment. 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, generous leave entitlements (including paid Cultural, First Nations ceremonial and NAIDOC leave) and wellbeing benefits to support your needs throughout your career.
As part of AGD, all AGS management staff undergo mandatory Indigenous Cultural Awareness training to ensure we create and maintain a culturally safe environment. When you work with us, you become part of a diverse and inclusive community where people are respected, supported and encouraged to be their authentic selves. To read more visit Our culture page.
To apply
To apply you must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level.
This Affirmative Measures process is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who meet the criteria below. The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under Section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
To be eligible to apply for this role, you must:
be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
be accepted by your community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage will be required prior to the finalisation of the selection process. The department will consider allowances in some circumstances, however evidence is likely to include the following:
a letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that the applicant is recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
a confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent document executed by an Indigenous organisation.
Note: The need to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is not required as part of the application process.
To apply, please click the ‘Begin’ button and ensure that you upload (ideally) a 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 (AEDT) on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Natalie Lightfoot, HR Business Partner on 02 6253 7529.
Accessibility – If you require this document in an alternative format please contact Natalie Lightfoot.
Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 4) Opens in new window
Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 5) Opens in new window
Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
Permanent (ongoing) and non-ongoing roles
Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lawyers to join the Australian Government’s central legal practice. Roles with AGS offer long term career options with open door access to some of Australia’s most respected lawyers.
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
Roles are available in the following areas of our practice:
Commercial: 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. Our work is focused on policies and programs that are of national importance, including:
some of Australia’s largest energy and infrastructure projects
complex contracting arrangements, including the acquisition of goods and services to support Australia’s national security and defence forces
cutting edge information technology transactions and projects.
The Commercial team is located in all capital cities, except Hobart.
Dispute Resolution (DR): 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. The DR team is located in all capital cities.
Office of the General Counsel (OGC): The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is a team of approximately 110 lawyers who specialise in the provision of legal advice and assistance to the Commonwealth Government on constitutional and public law, complex statutory interpretation and the development, implementation and administration of legislation. OGC also acts for the Commonwealth in High Court constitutional litigation and coordinating the conduct of other cases involving constitutional issues. This work touches on core aspects of Australia's system of government, with often enduring implications for the Commonwealth and the nation OGC has practitioners located in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
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 the areas referred to above. The successful candidates will ideally have:
a strong understanding of the relevant law in the area
the ability to clearly articulate technical arguments and draft advisory opinions
the ability to work closely with clients to achieve outcomes
the ability to meet personal time recording targets
excellent interpersonal skills, negotiation skills and the ability to persuade
for candidates wishing to apply for roles at the APS5 or APS6 level, a minimum of:
generally, 1 year post-admission experience for the APS5 level
generally, 3 years post-admission experience for the APS6 level.
High quality applicants who will be admitted to practice law in 2026 will be considered at the APS4 level. If rated suitable, any employment offer would be conditional on being admitted prior to engagement taking effect.
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 and takes pride in actively creating a culturally safe, inclusive and caring environment. 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, generous leave entitlements (including paid Cultural, First Nations ceremonial and NAIDOC leave) and wellbeing benefits to support your needs throughout your career.
As part of AGD, all AGS management staff undergo mandatory Indigenous Cultural Awareness training to ensure we create and maintain a culturally safe environment. When you work with us, you become part of a diverse and inclusive community where people are respected, supported and encouraged to be their authentic selves. To read more visit Our culture page.
To apply
To apply you must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level.
This Affirmative Measures process is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who meet the criteria below. The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under Section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
To be eligible to apply for this role, you must:
be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
be accepted by your community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage will be required prior to the finalisation of the selection process. The department will consider allowances in some circumstances, however evidence is likely to include the following:
a letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that the applicant is recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
a confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent document executed by an Indigenous organisation.
Note: The need to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is not required as part of the application process.
To apply, please click the ‘Begin’ button and ensure that you upload (ideally) a 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 (AEDT) on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Natalie Lightfoot, HR Business Partner on 02 6253 7529.
Accessibility – If you require this document in an alternative format please contact Natalie Lightfoot.
Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 4) Opens in new window
Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 5) Opens in new window
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Lawyers Affirmative Measures – First Nations position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Sydney 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.
