Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible for the Legal Stream in the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP), you must submit your application with evidence of the following:

• Be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
• Have completed a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2026.
• If applying for the Legal Practice Stream, you must be admitted as a lawyer or willing to complete your Practical Legal Training (PLT) during your graduate year.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance if required. For more information, refer to the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).
• Be willing to undergo any police, character, health, or other checks required.  

Skills you need 

To be suitable for a Legal Graduate role, you should have most or all of the following skills: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyse and interpret legal information.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.

Benefits 

As a graduate with the Australian Government, you will contribute your perspectives to meaningful work that informs government decisions and supports the Australian community. 

Working with the Australian Government offers excellent benefits, including:

• A salary starting from $63,000 to $86,000, depending on placement agency.
• Generous superannuation contributions of 15.4%.
• Australian Public Service (APS) employment conditions.
• Access to flexible work arrangements and APS leave entitlements.
• A workplace committed to inclusion and diversity.

Locations

Most roles are based in Canberra, with some opportunities available nationwide depending on the agency you are matched with. Relocation assistance may be provided by some agencies. 

Roles are full-time, with potential for flexible work arrangements depending on your placement agency. 

What to expect in this program 

Managed by the Attorney Generals Department (AGD), the Legal Stream recruits across the Australian Government and Commonwealth agencies. 

During this program, you can expect:

• Work experience across different areas such as legal policy, statutory interpretation, and corporate law.
• Structured on-the-job learning and development opportunities.
• Workplace rotations to broaden your legal experience.
• Opportunities to build strong professional networks.
• Mentoring and support from dedicated mentors and supervisors.
• Financial assistance to complete your PLT or other studies if required. 

Diversity and inclusion

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, people from diverse cultural and language backgrounds, and mature-aged applicants. 

If you have a disability and require support or reasonable adjustments throughout the application process, our team can provide confidential assistance. 

Affirmative Measures Indigenous

This affirmative measure allows a particular job in the Australian Public Service (APS) to be open only to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander persons.

View more information on the APSC diversity and inclusion page below:

Affirmative measure for recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A guide for applicants

Applicants applying under the Affirmative Measures Indigenous will need to provide evidence that they meet the eligibility for this vacancy should they be found suitable and prior to being made a formal offer of employment. 

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must:   

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. 
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
• Are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.  

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for Affirmative Measure Indigenous. 

Important Note: There is no obligation for a candidate who meets eligibility under Affirmative Measures categories to apply under these options. Selection of consideration under Affirmative Measures is voluntary.

Apply under Affirmative Measures Indigenous