Australian Attorney-General's Department – Sydney CBD NSW

- Permanent (Ongoing) role at the Senior Executive Service Band 2 level
- Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne or Sydney locations

An opportunity exists for a Deputy Chief General Counsel to join the Office of General Counsel (OGC) to advise the Commonwealth on constitutional and public law, statutory interpretation and the development, implementation and administration of legislation or engage in complex constitutional litigation.

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.





OGC’s Chief General Counsel, National Leader and Deputy Chief General Counsel provide the professional leadership of the office. This group of senior professional leaders are OGC’s most senior legal advisers and practitioners, recognised internally and externally as leading experts in relevant areas of law. They manage and provide strategic advice on legal matters of high importance, sensitivity and complexity for the Australian Government and clients.

The Deputy Chief Geneal Counsel role includes responsibility for developing AGS legal expertise and capability, mentoring future AGS professional leaders, resolving AGS’s position on complex legal issues, and building strategic client relationships. Where appropriate, a Deputy Chief General Counsel may be outposted for a period of time to assist a client with complex constitutional and public law issues.

The role operates at a strategic level, under the general direction of the OGC National Leader and Chief General Counsel, with a significant level of professional independence and responsibility.

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

About you

This role will suit an experienced lawyer with experience across a range of areas relevant to Commonwealth legal practice. The successful candidate will have specialist expertise in constitutional law, public law, and statutory interpretation, or deep experience in managing constitutional litigation, and will have a thorough understanding of the Commonwealth legal environment. The successful applicant will need to possess the following skills and attributes:





- exceptional legal and analytical skills, with substantial public law expertise particularly in constitutional law and a strong understanding of the Commonwealth legal environment
- professional standing as a leading expert in the Commonwealth public sector and/or legal profession
- exemplary leadership skills and a commitment to the highest qualified and ethical standards and a commitment to collaboration
- demonstrated ability to lead and build on the success of AGS’ OGC practice and to develop and maintain strong client relationships
- significant ability and commitment to mentor and develop 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.

Applications close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, 7 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 7***.

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📌 Deputy Chief General Counsel (Sydney)
🏢 Australian Attorney-General'S Department
📍 Sydney