EL1 Senior Lawyer

The Opportunity

The Legal and Assurance Branch of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is a dedicated team that is responsible for the provision and facilitation of legal advice, legal policy support, training and services to support the IGIS’s statutory functions.

The role involves providing high-quality legal advice on a range of matters relevant to the operation of the Office, as well as contributing to legislative analysis, reform and policy development affecting the IGIS and the national intelligence community.

The role requires the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, exercise sound judgement, and operate effectively in a small, highly sensitive environment.

The salary for this position will be based on the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 and negotiated based on skills and experience. The IGIS is able to offer attractive arrangements for the right candidate and has generous allowances for health and wellbeing, in recognising our unique operating environment.

To be successful in this role you will have:

1. experience providing legal advice, particularly in relation to statutory interpretation and/or administrative law
2. experience in legal policy, legislative review or legislative reform processes
3. the ability to exercise sound judgement and work effectively in a small team
4. the ability to work effectively in a highly sensitive environment and manage complex issuesstrong written and verbal communication skills
5. an aptitude for building and maintaining effective working relationships with senior executives and other stakeholders
6. experience guiding, mentoring or supporting junior staff
7. a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve results
8. a positive attitude, energy and commitment to the objectives of the IGIS
9. a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work

Essential skills

1. a degree in law from an Australian university, or a comparable overseas qualification recognised in Australia
2. admission as a legal practitioner to an Australian State or Territory Supreme Court or the High Court of Australia
3. a practising certificate, or eligibility to obtain a practising certificate in the ACT
4. a minimum of five years Post Admission Experience, or substantial contemporary and relevant knowledge and experience in relevant areas of law, including knowledge of the Commonwealth legal environment.

Desirable skills

1. experience with legislation reform
2. familiarity with parliamentary, Cabinet or whole-of-government policy processes
3. a developed understanding of national security and intelligence legislative frameworks

The successful candidate must be located in Canberra or willing to relocate. The IGIS offers relocation assistance to new employees relocating to Canberra from interstate.

To be eligible for this role, you must be an Australian citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) security clearance. Applicants should be aware that the security clearance process involves extensive background checks and may take several months to complete.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online by 11:30pm AEST on the 16th August, 2026. 

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