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

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:

• Accounting and Financial Management
• Data
• Economist
• Generalist
• HR
• Indigenous Graduate Pathway
• Legal

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