Law Clerks

• Law Clerks (APS3)
• Melbourne
• Casual roles (up to 3 days per week)

We are seeking expressions of interest from law students interested in opportunities to undertake legal and administrative support tasks on a casual basis up to 3 days per week in our Dispute Resolution practice.

About us
Australian Government Solicitor (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 680 staff, including over 470 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 as the solicitor assisting royal commissions. In addition, DR has a specialist in-house counsel practice, led by Tim Begbie KC.

In this role your tasks will vary day to day but may include substantial document review, legal research and general clerical tasks. AGS may also use expressions of interest to identify candidates for law clerk roles in other parts of AGS, including AGS Commercial and the Office of General Counsel.

About you

• an interest in litigation and Commonwealth work
• excellent academic results
• strong attention to detail
• previous paralegal or administrative support experience preferred
• good communication and interpersonal skills
• excellent legal research skills and clear writing skills
• good knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Outlook, Adobe)
• ability to work under pressure and as a member of a team.

For further information about the requirements of the role, please refer to the role description available below.

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 employees 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 appropriate level.

To apply, click the Begin button below. Applications close at 5:00pm (AEST) on Tuesday, 9 July 2024.

Further enquiries
Further information can be obtained by contacting Jill Mackay, HR Business Partner at jillian.mackay@ags.gov.au