2025 Australian Government Graduate Program Legal Stream (Oct 2024)

The Australian Government Graduate Program Legal Stream, led by the Attorney-General’s Department, is the gateway to an exciting and rewarding career in law within the Australian Government.

With one application, you will have access to multiple opportunities as a law graduate with over 20 agencies within the Australian Government participating in the Legal Stream.

The Australian Government Graduate Program Legal Stream consists of two sub-streams:

• Legal Policy
• Legal Practice

Both sub-streams provide fulfilling work, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen and grow your skill set. Your professional development will be supported so you can enhance your legal expertise. 

Ready to launch your law career? Apply for the Australian Government Graduate Program’s Legal stream to access exciting and rewarding opportunities in legal policy and practice across the Australian Government.

• Commence a full-time position in an Australian Government department or agency, with a generous salary range between $50,000-$80,000 a year
• Get mentoring and financial assistance to complete your Practical Legal Training
• Advance to a higher classification and salary at the successful completion of the program
• Undertake rotations in different work areas
• Access on-the-job and formal learning and development opportunities

About the role

As a graduate in the AGGP Legal Stream, your work will differ based on the sub-stream and agency you are placed in. You may be asked to provide input into legal policy or assist with the administration of legal policy. You could also be involved in the provision of legal advice as part of an in-house legal team within Commonwealth Government agencies.

You are in charge of your career and will have the opportunity to advise if you would like to be considered for Legal Policy, Legal Practice or both sub-streams, as well as preference which participating agencies you would like to work for.

The AGGP Legal Stream will provide you with fulfilling work, challenges and opportunities to strengthen and grow your skillset in a fast-paced, supportive and flexible environment, all while making a difference to the lives of all Australians.

For the 2025 program the Attorney-General's Department will undertake an Affirmative Measures – Indigenous recruitment process alongside the AGGP Legal Stream to better support First Nations candidates through the process. First Nations candidates are encouraged to apply through our recruitment process.

For more information on the Australian Government Graduate Program Legal Stream click "Apply now". 

Most graduate roles are based in Canberra. Some roles may be available in other Australian cities and major regional centres. Relocation assistance is available for eligible successful candidates.

Who can apply 

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

How to apply

Applications open on 4 March 2024. Click Apply on the job once applications open.

The selection process for this program typically includes:

• An online application, where you’ll upload your resume, academic transcript and proof of your Australian citizenship
• Online timed written assessment activity
• Virtual interview
• Matching and offers, where successful applicants are matched with a suitable placement in an Australian Government department or agency