Senior Lawyer - Information Law

Job Description

Senior Lawyers (Executive Level 1 and Executive Level 2) Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra Ongoing (permanent) and non-ongoing roles AGS is seeking Senior Lawyers who possess experience or strong interest in Information Law litigation. 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 715 staff, including over 500 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government. About the roles 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 these roles you will: draft complex advice on issues arising under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and the Archives Act 1983 (Cth) assist Australian Government clients in respect of reviews before the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (including providing strategic advice and preparing correspondence and/or written submissions to the Commissioner) represent Australian Government clients in information law proceedings commenced in the Administrative Review Tribunal and Federal Court of Australia prepare privacy impact assessments and privacy threshold assessments have the opportunity to support community interests though pro bono work. deliver FOI and privacy training to clients be part of the AGS Dispute Resolution team. About you These roles will suit Dispute Resolution Senior Lawyers with experience or strong interest in Information Law litigation. The successful candidate will ideally have: generally, at least 5 years’ (EL1) or 7 years’ (EL2) post-admission experience in the relevant field experience advising government clients on information law issues (Commonwealth, State or Territory) experience in managing information law litigation (Commonwealth, State or Territory) experience working in a billing environment the ability to work under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade, think creatively and deliver innovative client-focused legal solutions a strong understanding of information law and the ability to clearly articulate technical arguments and draft advisory opinions. 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. 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, including working from home arrangements, 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, please click the ‘Begin’ button. Applications close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Sunday, 2 March 2025. Further enquiries Further information can be obtained by contacting Jill Mackay, HR Business Partner on 02 9581 7568. 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