Senior Lawyer - Commercial and/or Privacy

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Broadband 7-8 (Legal) ($118,673.00 - $138,349.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 14668

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified, professional, enthusiastic and committed lawyers wishing to be considered for the role of Senior Lawyer - Commercial and/or Privacy in AFP Legal. Ideally candidates will have experience in commercial or privacy law or both, or a willingness to learn one/and assist with a variety of matters.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant legal practice that has a diverse and excellent range of work and internal clients and is committed to the development of its lawyers, and the maintenance of a supportive and flexible working environment.

AFP Legal is the AFP’s internal legal practice, delivering legal services across the wide spectrum of law enforcement-related  activities both domestically and overseas. AFP lawyers work in an professional, dynamic and intellectually challenging environment providing legal advice in areas including criminal law, information law, national security law, dispute resolution, administrative law, employment law, commercial law governance and privacy law.

As a Team Member in the AFP you will be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

Lawyers working in the Commercial and Privacy Legal teams in AFP Legal provide high quality, cost effective in-house professional legal services in a broad range of commercial and privacy matters, including

• Providing advice on, and drafting documents in relation to a broad range of activities, including contracts in support of procurement of ICT and other operational capabilities; construction; leasing and licensing; commercial negotiations; grants; intellectual property; privacy obligations; the agencies obligations under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth).
• Providing advice on the collection, use, disclosure and handling of personal information under the Privacy Act and the Australian Privacy Principles, including in relation to data breaches, privacy threshold assessments and privacy impact assessments.
• Dispute resolution in relation to commercial matters or responding to privacy complaints made to the AFP and the Office of the Information Commissioner (OAIC).
• Develop and deliver training to the AFP on current commercial and privacy matters.

Suitable candidates must meet the requirements of the role as outlined in the candidate information pack.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Either hold a current practising certificate for an Australian state or territory or the High Court or be eligible to apply for a practicing certificate.
• Hold tertiary qualifications in law and possess contemporary relevant legal knowledge and experience.
• Have a minimum of 5 years post admission experience in either Commercial or Privacy law.

Additional Information

• Positions may be filled at the AFP Band 7 to 8 levels, within the AFP Legal Officer Broadband 3 – 8, depending upon the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
• Note: Current AFP lawyers are not eligible to apply for a promotion or advancement through this process.
• This role is located in Canberra and applicants are expected to be based in Canberra.

Selection Criteria

• Achieve results
• Communicates with influence
• Contributes to strategic thinking
• Cultivates productive working relationships
• Shows personal drive and integrity
• Technical knowledge and skills

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Your two-page pitch will be used to assess you against the Position - Role Scope and selection criteria. Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role as a Senior Lawyer, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, Position - Role Scope and work level standards for the role. If you wish to be considered for both band levels your pitch should address the work level standards of the highest band.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.  

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be invited to a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer: Lauren Bird,

Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 7451, ​

Contact Officer Email: Lauren.Bird2@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 16/06/2025

To view other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au