2023 Graduate Program - Legal Stream (Feb 2023)

The Attorney-General’s Department welcomes applications for the Legal Practice (Australian Government Solicitor) and Industrial Relations Legal Graduate Streams.

We are looking for legal professionals who want to contribute to legal matters affecting the Australian Government, and who are looking for a dynamic career in Australian law.

We are looking for engaged and highly capable graduates who:

• have strong academic results 
• think critically and are curious 
• respond positively to change and feedback, demonstrating flexibility and resilience
• build relationships with clients, stakeholders and peers 
• research to find solutions to challenges and apply creativity
• bring and share diverse perspectives
• apply sound judgment
• communicate and engage professionally with people. 

In return, you will be supported to become a well-rounded legal professional with sound skills, knowledge and experience in an area of law. 

Our Graduate Program is hands-on. You will interact with real clients and key stakeholders to help achieve the Australian Government's legal objectives. You will have exposure to and experience a range of challenging and exciting opportunities to develop your career. 

On successful completion of the program you will be offered a permanent placement with the department.

Legal Practice (Australian Government Solicitor) Stream

The Legal Practice Stream offers positions within the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS).  AGS is the Australian Government’s central legal practice and is part of the Attorney-General’s Department. We help 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 adviser 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 650 staff, including 400 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.

Working with AGS provides the perfect pathway to a dynamic career in Australian law.

AGS delivers services through three national legal practices:

• AGS Commercial (corporate and commercial law)
• AGS Dispute Resolution  (dispute resolution and litigation)
• The Office of General Counsel (OGC) (government and administrative law)

The practices work together on complex matters that require expertise across several areas of law.

Industrial Relations Legal Stream

The Industrial Relations Legal Stream offers positions within the Industrial Relations Group at the Attorney-General’s Department. This group facilitates jobs growth through policies and programs that promote fair, productive and safe workplaces for all Australians. 

As an IR graduate lawyer, you will take part in the full range of work undertaken by our legal teams. This includes in the areas of:

• government and administrative law
• legislation development (including drafting of legislative instruments) and litigation
• workplace relations law
• workers’ compensation and work health and safety law

You will provide legal advice and services across the range of our responsibilities. This includes in relation to developing legislation and conducting litigation.

Program Details

During the program you will rotate into a range of areas within the Department.  As a Legal Practice Graduate (AGS) you will gain experience across 3 different practice areas where you will work with many of Australia’s best government lawyers, including our 4 in-house Queen’s Counsel.  As an Industrial Relations Legal Graduate (AGD) you will experience 2 rotations within the IR-Legal Group and 1 rotation in a different area of the department. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Legal Stream you must:

• be an Australian citizen at the time of applying;
• have completed (or be completing) a minimum of a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor within the 4 year period between November 2018 to December 2022; and
• be eligible to enrol in a practical legal training course that leads to admission in Australia, be eligible to be admitted in Australia, or be admitted to practice in Australia.

Interstate relocation

Graduate positions are generally based in Canberra. A small number of Legal Practice (AGS) Graduate positions may be offered in Melbourne or Sydney.  Please note that if selected for a position outside of Canberra, you will still be required to complete a rotation in Canberra during your first 12 months. Financial assistance may be offered where graduates are relocating from their home state.