Description:
An opportunity exists for a leading senior public lawyer to join our Dispute Resolution practice group in the Law Enforcement Team. We are looking for an experienced senior legal practitioner who is interested, and experienced, in complex and sensitive public law litigation. In this role, part of your practice will be to work closely with Commonwealth security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies on national security and law enforcement matters.
About us
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 715 staff, including over 500 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.
About the role
The AGS Dispute Resolution practice (DR) is Australia’s pre-eminent public law litigation practice. It has unrivalled experience and specialist expertise in providing dispute related legal advice and representation in every jurisdiction in Australia, across a diverse range of legal matters for Commonwealth agencies, including a very significant practice representing the Commonwealth’s regulatory enforcement agencies, administrative law, tax litigation, employment law, torts law and information access law. AGS acts for the Commonwealth in the full range of disputes to which it is a party or in which it has an interest (including access to sensitive information) and advises on investigations including for law enforcement and national security agencies. DR also represents the Commonwealth before inquests, inquiries and royal commissions, and acts as the solicitor assisting royal commissions. In addition, DR has a specialist in-house counsel practice, led by Tim Begbie KC.
As a Senior Executive Lawyer in Dispute Resolution, you will work with and help lead a highly skilled team on matters of national importance.
In this role you will:
- work on sensitive litigation matters for Commonwealth law enforcement and security agencies (including tied national security matters)
- manage, and advise Commonwealth agencies about, issues concerning the disclosure and protection of information in civil and criminal proceedings that have significant public interest implications for government, such as where proceedings relate to national security issues
- advise and act for the Commonwealth in applications for control orders, post-sentence orders, and community safety orders under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)
- advise and act for Commonwealth agencies in prosecutions of summary offences, in coronial inquests or other inquiries in various jurisdictions
- advise Commonwealth agencies on the use of investigative powers, such as search warrants and telecommunications interception warrants
- undertake work in other areas of law relevant to the work of AGS Dispute Resolution.
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 senior dispute resolution lawyer with expertise and substantial experience in litigation for law enforcement and security agencies, or a demonstrated capacity to undertake such litigation, and the ability to supervise, inspire and develop more junior lawyers. The successful candidate will ideally have:
- generally, at least 10 years’ post-qualification experience in managing public law litigation (experience in managing law enforcement-related litigation is preferred)
- a knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth legal environment
- demonstrated ability and commitment to effectively supervise, train, mentor, collaborate with and develop more junior legal staff
- the ability to work under pressure, excellent professional judgement, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with influence, build client relationships, and deliver innovative client-focused legal solutions
- a strong understanding of legal issues that arise in a national security and law enforcement context and the ability to clearly articulate technical arguments and draft advice
- the capacity to lead, and positively contribute to AGS.
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 rewarded. We offer our lawyers commercially competitive remuneration packages, including 15.4% superannuation.
Working with 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 work from home arrangements and generous leave entitlements to support you 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 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (TSPV) level.
To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button and ensure that you upload a maximum 3-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 on Wednesday, 2 April 2025 at 5:00pm (AEDT)
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Jill Mackay, HR Business Partner on 02 9581 7***.