Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible for the Legal Stream in the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP), you must:

• Be an Australian citizen at the time of application. 
• Have completed, or be completing, a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2025.
• 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. 
• 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 communication skills 
• Ability to analyse and interpret legal information 
• A willingness to learn and grow 
• Teamwork and adaptability skills 

Benefits 

As a graduate in the Legal Stream, you'll engage in meaningful work that helps support the Australian community. You'll contribute your perspectives while gaining experience in a range of legal areas. 

Working in the APS offers excellent benefits, including: 

• Support from dedicated mentors and supervisors 
• Workplace rotations to help align your career aspirations 
• Structured on-the-job learning and development opportunities 
• Competitive salary and flexible work arrangements 
• Financial assistance to complete your PLT or other studies if required 

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 

The Legal Stream offers a structured pathway designed to give you a rewarding career in law. You will: 

• Work across different areas such as legal policy, statutory interpretation, and corporate law 
• Receive on-the-job and formal training to enhance your skills 
• Have opportunities to build strong professional networks 
• Be mentored by experienced legal professionals 

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