As a Principal Government Lawyer at the Department of Education, you will have the opportunity to work at the centre of some of Australia's most significant education policies, programs and reforms. This is more than a traditional legal role. It is an opportunity to influence the development and delivery of major government policies, navigate novel and complex legal challenges, and help the department achieve its goals in a rapidly changing environment.

You will bring strong technical expertise, sound judgement, a collaborative leadership style and a practical, solutions-focused approach to helping clients achieve outcomes.

The department's legal practice comprises a number of teams that provide legal services to specific business groups across the department, as well as specialist legal teams that deliver expertise in key legal disciplines. This structure provides lawyers with the opportunity to build strong partnerships with clients, develop a deep understanding of the department's work, and engage in a diverse and intellectually stimulating range of legal matters. Our lawyers regularly work across teams and subject areas, fostering professional growth, collaboration and the sharing of expertise.

We are also exploring filling a Special Counsel position. This is a senior Principal Government Lawyer who works flexibly across the Division with additional responsibilities to provide support including potentially in legislative development and in management of complex or significant legal issues with a high degree of autonomy.

The legal practice operates as an integrated and flexible workforce. You are invited to express interest in leading any one or more of the above teams or the Special Counsel role and offers for successful candidates will take into account their experience, preferences and strengths, as well as the operational needs of the department.

An attractive remuneration package is available,



commensurate with the successful candidate's skills and experience, and consistent with departmental policies.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading and managing one of the department's legal teams and ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services. You will be expected to exercise a high degree of skilled judgement, demonstrate sound decision-making, and work with an appropriate level of autonomy.

Your responsibilities will include the following:

- Leading and managing a legal team to deliver timely, accurate, clear and risk-based legal services.
- Developing and maintaining effective and collaborative relationships with colleagues across the legal practice and the department, as well as with external stakeholders.
- Contributing as a member of the legal leadership team by promoting the strategic direction and values of the department and the APS, supporting effective practice management, and fostering capability development and a positive team culture.

In the Special Counsel role, you will report directly to the General Counsel and the responsibilities will be as set out above except for the requirement to lead and manage a specific team.

Qualifications and Education To be eligible for this position applicants must have:

- A degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution, or a comparable overseas qualification
- Admission as a legal practitioner in an Australian Court, and
- Eligibility to hold a restricted Government practising certificate.

Eligibility

Employment at the Department of Education is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

- Citizenship: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency delegate has agreed, in writing.
- Security Clearance: This is a designated security assessed position. The successful candidate will have the ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.

📌 Principal Government Lawyer (Australia)
🏢 Department Of Education
📍 Australia