As a 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 workplace. You will have robust legal skills, a collaborative approach and a commitment to delivering practical, solutions-focused advice that helps clients achieve their objectives while effectively managing legal risk.

As a Senior Government Lawyer, 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 have highly developed legal expertise, strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex and sensitive matters. You will work with an appropriate degree of autonomy, build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, and play an important role in supporting the development of junior lawyers and the continuous improvement of the legal practice.

The department's legal practice comprises several 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 collaborate across teams and subject areas, fostering professional growth, knowledge sharing and the delivery of high-quality legal services.

An attractive remuneration package is available, commensurate with the successful candidate's skills and experience, and consistent with departmental policies.

The key duties of the position include:

In the Government Lawyer role, your responsibilities will include the following:

- Providing high-quality, solutions-focused legal advice that clearly identifies legal requirements, risks and opportunities, and supports informed decision-making.




- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Partnering with clients to design, develop and implement programs, and advising on legislative development, reform proposals and the interpretation of existing legislation.
- Applying statutory interpretation and administrative law expertise to support the development, implementation and administration of the department’s programs and initiatives.
- Advising on legal claims, disputes and litigation matters, potentially including opportunities to undertake in-house advocacy before tribunals.
- Working collaboratively across the legal practice and contributing flexibly to team priorities and emerging business needs.
- Contributing to the development of junior lawyers through mentoring, knowledge sharing and collaborative teamwork, and supporting a positive and high-performing team culture.

In the Senior Government Lawyer role, your responsibilities will include the following:

- Providing high-quality, complex and sensitive legal advice that is solutions-focused and identifies and differentiates between legal requirements, risks and opportunities.
- Managing complex legal matters with an appropriate degree of autonomy, while reporting to the Principal Government Lawyer and exercising good judgement in escalating issues or seeking guidance as required.
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, and representing the department effectively in cross-agency and external forums where required.
- Working with clients to develop and implement programs, and providing complex advice on existing legislation, legislative reform proposals and legislative development.
- Applying statutory interpretation and administrative law skills to support the development and administration of the department’s programs.
- Advising on potential legal claims and disputes, and managing litigation matters, including opportunities to undertake in-house advocacy in tribunal proceedings.
- Working collaboratively and flexibly across the legal practice to support business priorities and client needs.
- Providing leadership and supervision to junior staff, including mentoring, capability development and professional support.




- Providing quality assurance and second counselling of legal advice and legal products prepared by other lawyers.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a legal position in our practice, 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
- Eligibility to hold a restricted Government practising certificate

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.

Getting to know the Department of Education

The Department of Education contributes to Australia's economic prosperity and social wellbeing by creating opportunities and driving better outcomes through access to quality education and learning. A strong early childhood education system built around early learning and child care gives children the best start in life—supporting them to build social and behavioural skills to help prepare them to transition to school. For parents and carers, affordable child care enables them to participate in the workforce, pursue further education or other opportunities to contribute to their community — bolstering the social wellbeing and economic prosperity of the nation. As children continue their journey through school, access to quality education creates the foundation for a bright future – it opens a world of possibilities and equips children and young people with the skills, knowledge, and career advice to prepare them for further work or study to fulfil their dreams. An affordable, and accessible higher education sector allows Australians and international students to pursue their passion in life or reskill for the jobs of the future. A strong higher education and research sector in step with national priority areas provides people with an chance to choose a career path that addresses skill shortages or the challenges of the future including, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health, and education. Through education and learning, we change lives, create opportunities, and support Australia's economic success and social wellbeing.

📌 Government Lawyer | Senior Government Lawyer (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Education
📍 Canberra