Updating Results

Attorney-General's Department (AGD)

  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Attorney-General's Department (AGD) Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Government & Public Service

We perform a wide range of legal and policy work to support Australia’s law, justice, security and integrity frameworks. We work on high-profile, high-impact projects affecting all Australians. We are committed to best practice and continual improvement, both as a government agency and as an employer.

As a graduate with us you will start your career in an inclusive and supportive workplace, making meaningful contributions to the Australian community. You will be part of a talented group of early career legal and policy professionals with excellent employment conditions. You will rotate through interesting and challenging work areas and receive extensive training and development opportunities.

We are an inclusive workplace with a skilled and high-performing workforce. We prioritise employee wellbeing and want our workplace to reflect the diversity of the Australian community.

Join us as we work together to make a meaningful difference for our community.

Your year as a graduate

During your graduate year, you will have the opportunity to thrive at the forefront of change.

Our program will provide you with:

  • an 11-month graduate program
  • a thorough induction to ensure you are equipped to begin your program
  • 3 rotations within the department to develop your skills and areas of interest
  • structured learning and development opportunities, including graduate major projects and Practical Legal Training (if eligible)
  • a dedicated pastoral care coordinator
  • a buddy network with our previous graduates
  • opportunities to participate in exclusive networking events, including discussions with senior executives.

In addition, we have a fantastic culture you can contribute to including the AGD Social Club, lunchtime sports and employee networks.

Hear more about what it's like to be a graduate in AGD from some of our recent graduates.

Why choose us

We promote a healthy work-life balance and provide flexible work opportunities. We also provide:

  • a generous leave offering
  • access to health and wellbeing allowances and programs
  • external support services and targeted wellbeing checks
  • relocation assistance for graduates who need to relocate to Canberra to commence the program.

Salary and superannuation

Graduates will be engaged as an Entry Level Programs Broadband Graduate 3, which is an APS Level 3 equivalent.

After successful completion of the graduate program, AGD graduates are advanced to an APS Level 4 (pay point 4) with a salary of $77,968 plus 15.4% superannuation.

What you can bring to the role

We are looking for engaged and highly capable graduates who:

  • think critically and strategically
  • are curious and question assumptions
  • seek out learning opportunities and respond positively to feedback
  • display emotional intelligence and a growth mindset
  • adapt to change with flexibility and resilience
  • are excited to build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, colleagues and clients
  • can work independently and as part of a team
  • act with integrity
  • communicate clearly and professionally with people of all backgrounds
  • think creatively, look for solutions and generate new ideas
  • foster a respectful, inclusive and safe workplace culture
  • apply sound judgement and make evidence-based decisions.

Applying to work with us

We recruit our graduates through the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) streams. You will need to submit your application through the relevant stream:

If you are successful in the process, you will get the opportunity to nominate the Attorney-General’s Department as your preferred department.

Eligibility

Applicants to the Legal stream must have completed a minimum of a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor.

If applying for the Legal Practice Stream, you must be admitted as a Lawyer or willing to complete your Practical Legal Training during your graduate year to be admitted as a Lawyer.

To be eligible for the Legal Stream you must submit a completed application prior to the closing date and provide evidence or confirmation of the following:

  • You are an Australian citizen at the time of application
  • Will or have completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree), or higher equivalent by 31 December 2024
  • Your most recent eligible qualification has or will be completed between 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2024
  • Be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program when required. Further information on security clearances is available from Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA)
  • Be willing to undergo any police, character, health or other checks required

Recruitment Process

Application Process

1 - Online application

The online application is your first opportunity to tell us what motivates you for wanting a legal career in the Australian Public Service. You will also be asked to upload a 2-3-page resume, academic transcripts and proof of your Australian Citizenship.

2 - Written Activity

If you are successful at the online application stage, you will be invited to participate in an online written activity.

3 - Panel interview

If you are successful at written activity stage, you will be invited to an online virtual interview with a selection panel.

4 - Matching and offers

If you have been found suitable at the interview stage you will then progress to matching with a placement agency. Your location, experience, stream and agency preferences will be used to match you with an appropriate agency. Once matched to a placement agency their Recruitment/Employment Programs Team will contact you directly to discuss your interest in working for them and may conduct reference checks. If you are unsuccessful, there will be an opportunity to seek feedback at the conclusion of the recruitment process.

Remuneration & Career Growth

Networks and groups

We provide the opportunity for graduates to form strong networks through activities such as the AGD Social Club, lunchtime sports and a diverse range of networks including the PRIDE in AGD, the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network, the Celebrating Ability Network, the Indigenous Employee Network, the Gender Equity Network, and the Sustainability Network.

Flexible working arrangements

Our flexible work environment allows you to balance your work and personal responsibilities. We promote a healthy work-life balance, have generous employment conditions and offer a competitive salary. Our workplace embraces technology to support flexible working arrangements.

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Canberra
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
Current Jobs & Opportunities

Graduate Job

Canberra - with limited positions in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Launch your law career with the Australian Government. Apply for an exciting and rewarding graduate role and shape the career that you want.
Applications Close
15 Apr 2024
Start Date
2 Oct 2024 - 14 Feb 2025
Salary
AUD 63,001 - 86,000 / Year

Please note, salary, employment conditions and program features will differ between each agency.

Graduate Job

Canberra - with limited positions in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Launch your law career with the Australian Government. Apply for an exciting and rewarding graduate role and shape the career that you want.
Applications Close
15 Apr 2024
Start Date
2 Oct 2024 - 14 Feb 2025
Salary
AUD 63,001 - 86,000 / Year

Please note, salary, employment conditions and program features will differ between each agency.

Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
"In government, many things are happening simultaneously, and it's essential to be proactive and ready to take on responsibility. "

Fletcher Clarke

  • Graduate stories
"In government, many things are happening simultaneously, and it's essential to be proactive and ready to take on responsibility. "

Fletcher Clarke

  • Graduate stories
The diverse subject matter on which we advise also means I’m constantly learning about new topics and areas of law.

Matt Traeger

  • Graduate stories
The diverse subject matter on which we advise also means I’m constantly learning about new topics and areas of law.

Matt Traeger

  • Graduate stories
"In government, many things are happening simultaneously, and it's essential to be proactive and ready to take on responsibility. "

Fletcher Clarke

  • Graduate stories
"In government, many things are happening simultaneously, and it's essential to be proactive and ready to take on responsibility. "

Fletcher Clarke

  • Graduate stories
The diverse subject matter on which we advise also means I’m constantly learning about new topics and areas of law.

Matt Traeger

  • Graduate stories
The diverse subject matter on which we advise also means I’m constantly learning about new topics and areas of law.

Matt Traeger


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Kirsty

Kirsty is a Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD).
  • Day in the life

Kirsty

Kirsty is a Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD).
  • Day in the life

Kirsty

Kirsty is a Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD).
  • Day in the life

Kirsty

Kirsty is a Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD).
  • Day in the life

Kirsty

Kirsty is a Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD).
  • Day in the life

Kirsty

Kirsty is a Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD).
  • Day in the life

Kirsty

Kirsty is a Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD).
  • Day in the life

Kirsty

Kirsty is a Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD).

Advice


What the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) actually does?

Explore the Attorney-General's Department vital functions through their graduate's insights

What is the workplace culture like at the Attorney-General's Department?

Discover a supportive and friendly workplace culture at the Attorney-General's Department, where work-life balance is valued

What the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) actually does?

Explore the Attorney-General's Department vital functions through their graduate's insights

What is the workplace culture like at the Attorney-General's Department?

Discover a supportive and friendly workplace culture at the Attorney-General's Department, where work-life balance is valued