The key duties of the position include Senior Professional Leader and practitioner Permanent role Senior Executive Service Band 2 Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is seeking applications from a highly skilled and experienced commercial lawyer to join the AGS Commercial practice as Deputy Chief Solicitor (SES Band 2). This is a unique opportunity for a recognised expert to join the Australian Government's central legal service and lead legal matters of national significance. 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. It is a centre of excellence and expertise in areas of law of importance to the Commonwealth and in managing complex, systemic and precedential issues for the Commonwealth. 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 800 staff, including 576 lawyers, we work in more than 40 different areas of law related to government. About the role AGS Commercial provides specialist commercial law expertise to Commonwealth agencies. We act as lead legal adviser on some of the Commonwealth's largest and most nationally significant transactions. The Deputy Chief Solicitor - AGS Commercial is a senior professional leader and role model in the practice. In this role, you will be recognised as a leading expert in commercial law, and provide thought leadership on areas of commercial law affecting the Commonwealth. You'll manage high-stakes legal matters that are critical to the Australian Government, offering strategic advice across all jurisdictions. This role requires a visionary leader who can navigate complex, sensitive issues with professional independence and authority. The role operates at a strategic level, under the general direction of the Chief Counsel - AGS Commercial and National Leader - AGS Commercial, with a significant level of professional independence and responsibility. Our employment offering is distinct from private law firm roles, corporate in-house roles and other government legal roles. It offers a unique hybrid culture of market leading legal expertise, dedicated client service, affinity with our clients, involvement in matters of national significance and the opportunity for public service, as well as a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. In this role 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. Work Strategically to achieve outcomes: 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. Engage with clients at senior levels: 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 client needs and driving new service offerings. Lead and mentor: Help 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. For further information about the requirements of the role, please refer to the role description available on our recruitment portal. About you This role will suit an experienced Senior Executive (Senior Partner level) Lawyer. Successful candidates will have specialist expertise in one or more areas of commercial law and be able to provide strategic input across a range of areas of Commonwealth commercial legal practice. AGS's Commercial practice spans a broad range of work including, but not limited to, investment and governance, technology, government procurement and contracting, major projects and property. The successful applicant will need to possess the following skills and attributes: extensive legal experience (generally at least 15 years' PAE at senior executive level or partner level in the private sector) and a commitment to providing the highest standard of client service deep familiarity with advising government and professional standing as a leading expert in the Commonwealth public sector and/or legal profession exemplary leadership and managerial skills and a commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards and with a commitment to collaboration substantial experience in negotiating with senior stakeholders in sensitive and significant Government or business issues demonstrated ability to lead and build on the success of the AGS Commercial practice and to develop and maintain strong client relationships significant ability and commitment to mentor and develop other lawyers excellent professional judgement and interpersonal skills. 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 competitive remuneration packages, including 15.4% superannuation. AGS is a supportive organisation which embraces diversity. We understand that work is only part of your life and while our workplace 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, 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 (AEST) on Sunday, 24 August 2025. Further enquiries Further information can be obtained by contacting Phil Sedgley-Perryman, National Manager AGS Commercial on 08 8205 4223.
