About Our Client
The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) seeks outstanding candidates with a desire to make a significant impact across the Commonwealth of Australia to join the premier provider of legal services to the Australian Government as a Senior Executive Lawyer (SEL).
About AGS:
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.
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, AGS 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 714 staff, including 500 lawyers, AGS work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government.
Job Description
As a Senior Executive Lawyer in an ongoing permanent position, you will take on a pivotal leadership role within AGS' Commercial Practice, where you will deliver high quality legal advice to Australian Government clients. AGS' work is diverse, and includes advising on policies and programs that are of national importance, such as:
* Some of Australia's largest infrastructure projects
* Market leading leasing, fitout and pre-commitment projects and
* Complex contracting arrangements involving significant counter parties and negotiations to protect the interests of the Commonwealth of Australia
You will:
* Lead with Expertise: As a senior legal expert, you will navigate a multifaceted legal landscape, managing high-stakes legal matters with significant government and client implications. Your expertise will be recognised both within AGS and externally, allowing you to represent AGS in senior-level forums and influence key decisions.
* Strategic Impact: Operate at a strategic level with limited direction, managing complex legal matters across various areas of law, jurisdictions, and geographic locations. Your decisions will shape the legal strategies that uphold Commonwealth policy and interests.
* Client Engagement: Develop and maintain high-level professional relationships with senior client representatives, positioning AGS as a trusted and high-valued legal services provider. You will be at the forefront of identifying emerging business opportunities and driving new service offerings.
* Leadership and Mentorship: Supervise and support a team of lawyers, fostering their professional development and career progression. Your leadership will be instrumental in building a sustainable practice that delivers exceptional legal services and achieves practice group goals.
Key Responsibilities:
* Reporting to the National Leader AGS Commercial, deliver high-quality legal services, ensuring compliance with professional standards and exceeding client expectations.
* Strategic planning and management of legal matters, in particular leading/coordinating teams working on more complex and significant matters and projects.
* Build and maintain a sustainable practice that also provides billable work for more junior lawyers.
* Drive the commercial success of the practice group through strategic planning, team coordination, and personal revenue achievement.
* Uphold Commonwealth policies and interests in complex legal matters, providing expert guidance and oversight.
* Ensure recognition of AGS as a high valued legal services provider and address legal service issues.
* Actively engage in business development, develop high level relationships, and the identification of new opportunities to expand AGS's legal services.
* Mentor and develop junior lawyers, contributing to a collaborative and capable national team.
The Successful Applicant
* Admission to the High Court of Australia or the roll of barristers and solicitors of a State or Territory.
* Substantial expertise and experience (ideally 10+ years PAE) advising on major projects and/or construction law matters
* Extensive legal experience with a deep understanding of the Commonwealth legal environment.
* Proven leadership skills with a high level of professional standing within the public sector and legal profession.
* Ability to work under pressure, excellent professional judgement and interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade
* Capacity to meet personal productivity/revenue targets.
* Australian Citizenship
* Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting 2 level and be willing to undergo Positive Vetting level as required.