Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) Graduate Program
Applications for the AGD Graduate Program generally open in March each year, closing in late April/early May. Assessment of applications then occur, with offers generally made in August. The program/placements then start in February the year after.
Applications for the 2024 AGD Australian Government Graduate Program Legal Stream are now closed.
The AGD Graduate Program offers a variety of graduate opportunities across a number of streams. Information on graduate opportunities, graduate profiles and how to apply is available on the AGD website.
We're planning for the future...
Can you see yourself working alongside Australia's foremost legal minds, advising on significant national and international matters?
AGD delivers programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia's law and justice framework. The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), one of 5 groups within AGD, provides legal services to the Commonwealth (legal advice and representation).
Who we are
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.
Work with the top legal minds
Working with AGS provides the perfect pathway to a dynamic career in Australian law.
The graduate program is a 12-month development opportunity with rotations across our 3 practice areas where you will get the opportunity to work with many of Australia’s best government lawyers, including our 2 in-house Queen’s Counsel.
You will get the opportunity to work with an in-house legal team within a Commonwealth agency and also with a community legal centre/charitable organisation as part of our pro bono program. You will be mentored and will have access to a variety of learning and development activities, including the opportunity to complete your practical legal training to be admitted to practice.
What we do
AGS has specialist expertise in constitutional and public law, statutory interpretation and the development, implementation and administration of legislation. As well as providing constitutional advice, AGS acts for the Commonwealth in constitutional litigation and coordinates the conduct of other cases involving constitutional issues.
We provide specialist expertise in resolving and managing disputes across a broad range of areas of law and across jurisdictions – from small claims and disputes, to the largest and most sensitive litigation matters in which the Commonwealth is involved.
AGS works with a wide range of Commonwealth agencies across all areas of commercial law to develop innovative solutions to their legal issues, effectively manage their day-to-day operations and implement commercially and legally robust approaches to some of the largest projects in which the Commonwealth is involved.
Expertise in
- Public law
- Constitutional law
- Legislative development
- Statutory interpretation
- Corporate and commercial
- Property and environment
- Litigation specialisation
- Taxation
- Competition and consumer law
- Workplace, industrial relations and compensation
How we make a meaningful contribution to the wider community
AGS understands that while everyone needs help from time-to-time, not everyone can afford quality legal representation. We have an extensive pro bono program, and won the 2019 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Pro Bono Award.
Our graduates take part in our pro bono program, which has helped many clients both nationally and internationally.
Helping you be the best lawyer you can be
We are a supportive organisation that embraces diversity in all forms. 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 diverse needs throughout your career.