Lawyers and Senior Lawyers – DR Security & Enforcement and Administrative Law

• Lawyers – APS Level 5 and APS Level 6 & Senior Lawyers – Executive Level 1
• Positions available in the Dispute Resolution practice in our Perth office
• Permanent (ongoing) and non-ongoing (12 months) roles

Opportunities exist for Dispute Resolution lawyers and senior lawyers to advise and represent the Commonwealth in legal matters across Administrative Law and Security and Enforcement.

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
The AGS Dispute Resolution practice (DR) is Australia’s pre-eminent public law litigation practice. It has unrivalled experience and expertise in providing dispute related legal advice and representation in every jurisdiction in Australia. DR acts across a diverse range of legal matters for Commonwealth agencies, including a very significant practice representing Commonwealth agencies in disputes relating to national security law, administrative law, regulatory law, tax litigation, employment law, torts law and information access law. DR also represents the Commonwealth before inquests, inquiries and royal commissions, and as the solicitor assisting royal commissions. In addition, DR has a specialist in-house counsel practice, led by Tim Begbie KC.

Roles are available in the Administrative Law and Security & Enforcement teams:

• Administrative Law: working on sensitive Administrative Law litigation matters for the Commonwealth, including judicial review proceedings commenced in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and the Federal Court of Australia under the Judiciary Act 1903, the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 and the Migration Act 1958, merits review proceedings in the Administrative Review Tribunal and information access disputes in a range of jurisdictions
• Security and Enforcement: working on sensitive litigation matters for Commonwealth law enforcement and security agencies, including managing and advising Commonwealth law enforcement and national security agencies on disclosure and protection of information in civil and criminal proceedings, conducting summary prosecutions, acting for the Commonwealth in applications for control orders and post-sentence orders under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) and advising Commonwealth law enforcement and national security agencies on the use of investigative powers. The work of the Perth Security and Enforcement team requires appearing in court as a solicitor advocate on a regular basis as well as instructing counsel in more complex matters.

For further information about the requirements of the roles, please refer to the role descriptions available below.

About you
These roles will suit lawyers and senior lawyers with experience or interest in the dispute resolution areas referred to above.

The successful candidates will ideally have:

• for lawyer candidates, generally at least 1 year (APS Level 5) or 3 years’ (APS Level 6) post-admission experience in the relevant field
• for senior lawyer candidates, generally at least 5 years’ (Executive Level 1) post-admission experience in the relevant field
• a strong understanding of relevant law in the area and the ability to clearly articulate technical arguments and draft advisory opinions
• experience in managing litigation and dispute resolution matters
• the ability to work under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade,
• think creatively and deliver innovative client-focused legal solutions
• experience and/or interest in solicitor advocacy
• experience and/or interest in client training
• for senior lawyer candidates, experience supervising junior lawyers, or the demonstrated capacity to do so.

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. 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, including working from home arrangements, 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 level. To apply, please click the 'Begin’ button. Applications close at 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday, 28 August 2026.

Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Natasha Sajinovic, HR Advisor on 03 9242 1116.

Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 5) Opens in new window

Role Description - Lawyer-Counsel (APS 6) Opens in new window