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Leading advisor and practitioner in dispute resolution
Permanent role
Senior Executive Service Band 2
Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide
The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is seeking applications from senior litigation practitioners with significant advocacy experience before superior courts to act and advise, principally as counsel, in litigation of significant importance, sensitivity and complexity for the Commonwealth.
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 legal solutions which support the work of the Australian Government. 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 the Australian 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 Dispute Resolution practice group provides specialist expertise in resolving and managing disputes across many areas of law. It acts for regulatory agencies in enforcing the law, protects sensitive information from disclosure, defends government decisions, assists royal commissions and responds to claims made against the Commonwealth. It is often involved in the largest and most sensitive matters affecting the Australian Government.
The Deputy Chief Counsel, Dispute Resolution, is a leading litigation practitioner in areas relevant to the Commonwealth and, together with our Chief Counsel, Chief Solicitor and Deputy Chief Solicitors, is a senior source of authoritative strategic legal services in matters of high importance, sensitivity and complexity for the Commonwealth. The Deputy Chief Counsel is a professional leader and role model in AGS, with national practice responsibility for being briefed in the Commonwealth's most sensitive matters.
The role operates at a strategic level and with a significant level of professional independence. The Deputy Chief Counsel works as an integral part of the senior leadership of the dispute resolution practice comprising the Chief Counsel, the Chief Solicitor and the National Leader.
The successful applicant will need to possess the following skills and attributes:
substantial experience as advocate across a broad range of legal issues relevant to Commonwealth legal practice
exceptional legal and strategic skills in areas of key significance to Government
highly developed persuasive skills in written and oral advocacy
recognised expertise in multiple areas of public law
a thorough understanding of the Commonwealth legal environment
exemplary commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards including the model litigant principles
a demonstrated track-record of leadership and supervision of practitioners at all levels
substantial experience in senior stakeholder engagement
professional judgement and interpersonal skills of the highest order.
For further information about the requirements of the role, please refer to the role description available on our recruitment portal.
You will work with senior 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.
With open door access to 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, generous leave entitlements and wellbeing benefits to support your needs 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) level and be willing to undergo a Positive Vetting level security clearance as required.
To apply, please click the 'Apply' button and ensure that you 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 Friday, 10 January 2025.
Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Jill Mackay, HR Business Partner on 02 9581 7568 or Steven Lockwood, HR Business Partner on 02 6141 6532.
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