The key duties of the position include:

- Strategic leadership and senior practitioner role
- Part of Senior Executive group
- Partner or equivalent 10 - 15+ years’ PAE
- Permanent (Ongoing) role at the Senior Executive Service Band 2 level
- Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne or Sydney locations

The Australian Government Solicitor is seeking applications from a senior public lawyer to lead the Office of General Counsel (OGC) practice group and advise the Commonwealth across the field of public law.

About us

Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is the Australian Government’s central legal practice and part of the Attorney-General’s Department. AGS provides legal services to the Commonwealth Government in its complex, systemic and precedential matters, operating as a fee for service legal practice, competing against other legal service providers for the majority of our work.

AGS is unique. AGS is dedicated to acting for Government as its trusted adviser, working in the national interest.

AGS is innovative. Drawing on an exceptional depth of experience and expertise, we assist the Commonwealth Government in the development and implementation of solutions to legal issues that have national importance.

AGS is diverse. With over 550 lawyers and a team of approximately 800 professionals working in every capital city, we practice in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.

About the role

OGC is a team of approximately 110 lawyers specialising in the provision of legal advice and assistance to the Commonwealth Government on:

- constitutional and public law
- complex statutory interpretation and the development, and
- the 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, and often involves advising on matters of national security.





This is an opportunity for a senior public lawyer interested in rewarding work at a Senior or Managing Partner-equivalent level within the Commonwealth’s Senior Executive Service. The role operates at a strategic level, being an integral member of AGS's senior leadership team and also providing professional leadership across the Attorney-General’s department.

In this role you will:

- work directly with the Australian Government Solicitor and OGC Chief Counsel
- lead a team comprising over 110 lawyers located across Australia
- be part of a supportive, collegiate and high performing national practice
- be a member of AGS’s Professional Leadership Group and Management Committee
- advise on the Commonwealth’s most important, high profile, sensitive and complex legal matters.

For further information about the requirements of the role, please refer to the role description available on our recruitment portal.

About you

The successful candidate will ideally have:

- exceptional legal and analytical skills, with substantial public law expertise particularly in constitutional law and a strong understanding of the Commonwealth legal environment
- senior executive, partner-level or equivalent experience advising on complex legal issues relevant to government
- the ability to provide strategic, practical and authoritative advice to the highest levels of government
- demonstrated leadership and management capability, including the ability to lead high-performing legal teams and contribute to senior organisational leadership
- solid stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to build trusted relationships with senior Commonwealth clients
- excellent professional judgement, high ethical standards, strong interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to mentoring and developing other lawyers.

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. We offer our lawyers remuneration packages that are competitive in government legal practice, including 15.4% superannuation and the ability to earn a bonus.

With open door access to some of Australia’s most respected public lawyers, we work to develop talent and critical thinking, partnering 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, generous leave entitlements and wellbeing benefits to support your needs throughout your career.

To apply

To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button and 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 (AEDT) on Monday, 5 October 2026.

Use of artificial intelligence (AI) in AGS recruitment

We may use AI tools to support administrative tasks during recruitment processes. For further information about the use of AI in AGS recruitment, please visit our employment page Employment | AGS

Further enquiries

Further information can be obtained by contacting Natalie Lightfoot, HR Business Partner on 02 6253 7***.

Eligibility

To apply you must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance that will position you to advise on matters concerning Australia’s national security.

Getting to know the Australian Government Solicitor

AGS is unique. Regarded as the leading providers of legal services to government, we are a national, commercially competitive law practice within the Attorney-General’s Department. Our team of around 800 employees, located in 7 offices around Australia, provides expert services in all areas of law connected with government.

📌 National Leader - Office of General Counsel (Sydney)
🏢 Australian Attorney-General'S Department
📍 Sydney