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Senior Lawyer / LawyerOperations and Counter Terrorism Law Team
Senior Lawyer (Band 6-8) and Lawyer (Band 4-5)
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JOIN OUR TEAMThe AFP has established itself as a key player in the Australian security landscape, rising to complex challenges and responding swiftly to protect Australians as new threats emerge. The AFP prides itself on demonstrating leadership and agility in a dynamic operating environment.We are ethical and values-driven, embracing diversity and inclusion. We value fairness, trust, respect, accountability, integrity, commitment and excellence in service to the community and in working with each other.
THE ROLEAFP Legal is the AFP’s internal legal practice, delivering legal services across the wide spectrum of AFP activities both domestically and overseas. AFP lawyers work in an exciting, 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, and AFP governance.
AFP Legal is recruiting for current and anticipated vacancies for ongoing and non-ongoing Operations and Counter Terrorism law positions, at the Senior Lawyer and Lawyer level in the Operations and Counter Terrorism team.
The Operations and Counter Terrorism team is responsible for the provision of high quality, cost effective professional legal services that directly support the operational activities of the AFP.
As a valued member of the team, this includes:
Providing advice to investigators on Commonwealth powers and offences Providing dedicated legal support to large scale, complex and long running operations Reviewing and updating operational procedures based on Commonwealth legislation Providing advice on international and inter-jurisdictional operational issues Providing advice on and support to the conduct of prosecutions, including sufficiency of
evidence, disclosure and protection of sensitive information Providing high level strategic legal advice to the AFP Executive Liaising with the CDPP on prosecutorial issues Working with the AFP’s Legislative Reform team to support the development and reform of
legislation which enables the AFP to effectively achieve operational outcomes
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This is an excellent opportunity for lawyers wishing to obtain well-rounded experience in a range of operations and counter terrorism issues in a law enforcement environment and to join a vibrant legal practice that:
has a diverse and exciting range of work and internal clients is committed to the development of its lawyers, and the maintenance of a supportive and
flexible working environment provides lawyers with the opportunity to work closely with internal clients to make important
contributions to, and have substantial involvement in, major projects provides a generous remuneration package, including six weeks of annual leave per year, four
mandatory rest days per year, Christmas/New Year stand-down leave, access to flex-time arrangements, and 15.4 percent superannuation payments
Further information about the AFP’s remuneration and other entitlements can be found on the AFP websites Benefits and conditions page.
Applications are sought from suitably qualified, professional, enthusiastic and resilient lawyers wishing to be considered for this opportunity, with a minimum of 1-6+ years Post Admission Experience.
Suitable candidates must meet the requirements of the role as outlined in this information pack.
Positions may be filled at the AFP Band 4 to 8 levels, within the AFP Legal Officer 3 to 8 Broadband, depending upon the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Note: Current AFP Legal Officers are not eligible to apply for a promotion or advancement through this process.
Senior Lawyer – Band 6-8 ($96,049 – $123,544)
Senior Lawyers should have five or more years’ relevant legal experience.
Senior Lawyers in the Operations and Counter Terrorism Team:
prepare complex and routine legal advice for internal clients on matters relating to AFP operations and investigations, including, amongst other things:
o police powers concerning arrest and searcho electronic surveillanceo the interpretation of criminal offence provisionso evidence and disclosure
provide guidance and mentor more junior lawyers draft supporting documents for and manage litigation relating to the control
order scheme in the Criminal Code 1995 advise the AFP Executive on matters relating to appearances before
Parliamentary committees provide legal support to sensitive investigations and counter terrorism matters assist the AFP in responding to legislative reform proposals
A Senior Lawyer is required to:
have advanced legal technical knowledge deliver high-quality, pragmatic legal advice and products deal with more complex matters with minimal supervision
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represent the AFP in high level discussions and negotiations with internal and external stakeholders
demonstrate leadership and integrity in their interactions with team members and internal clients
provide an appropriate level of guidance and mentoring to junior lawyers, taking into account individual needs and band levels
report to and support the Deputy General Counsel and other team members to create a unified, cohesive and well-functioning team
actively contribute to:o legislative, governance and policy developmento shaping strategic thinking; and harnessing information and opportunities
for the broader benefit of the AFP assist AFP Legal management, General Counsel and Chief Counsel Maintain currency of legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional
development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process
Also see the role scope for Senior Lawyers provided in this information pack.
Selection Criteria (Band 6-8)
Achieves Results Contributes to Strategic Thinking Cultivates Productive Working Relationships Shows Personal Drive and Integrity Communicates with Influence Technical skills and knowledge
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Lawyer – Band 4-5 ($75,420 – $96,049)
Lawyers should have a minimum of 12 months relevant legal experience.
The Lawyer role requires the provision of timely, well-written and accurate legal advice and support to internal AFP clients in support of the AFP’s activities, and compliance with its governance requirements. This includes the following work:
prepare legal advice for internal clients on matters relating to AFP operations and investigations, including, amongst other things:
o police powers concerning arrest and searcho electronic surveillanceo the interpretation of criminal offence provisionso evidence and disclosure
produce and present training material relevant to the AFP powers and obligations under Commonwealth law
support and manage litigation relating to the control order scheme in the Criminal Code 1995
provide legal support to sensitive investigations and counter terrorism matters, assist the AFP in responding to legislative reform proposals
A Lawyer in AFP Legal is also expected to:
deliver high-quality, pragmatic legal advice and products take initiative and work with a significant degree of autonomy, but seek
guidance and input as appropriate liaise with AFP clients and take instructions deal with more challenging matters under supervision of a Senior Lawyer assist and support Senior Lawyers including in relation to:
o high level discussions and negotiations with external stakeholderso legislative, governance and policy development
contribute to AFP Legal strategic and corporate projects maintain currency in legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional
development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process
Also see the role scope for Lawyer provided in this information pack.
Selection Criteria (Band 4-5)
Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes Communicating and working effectively with other people Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills
Essential requirements (applies to both roles)
Current Australian Citizen Either hold a current practising certificate or be eligible to apply for one A minimum of 12 months Post Admission Experience A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance, or ability to obtain one
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Hold tertiary qualifications in law and possess contemporary relevant legal knowledge and experience
Hold or be able to obtain a practicing certificate as an Australian Legal Practitioner Maintain currency in legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development
and learning opportunities outside the formal education process
Desirable skills
Experience in the Prosecution agencies, Government solicitors (either State or Commonwealth) or Attorney-General’s Department
Experience in Commonwealth criminal law, litigation (criminal), subpoenas, Federal law court processes and/or witness protection
Experience in information protection and interpreting a broad range of legislation Experience working in a national security environment
APPLICATION PROCESSThe Legal Officer Recruitment process will be broken down into the below two selection stages:
Application (applicant response) Formal Interview
Application (applicant response)
The applicant response should be a maximum of two pages.
Applications will be assessed against the:
role scope and role requirements (as outlined in this pack) selection criteria work level standards (applicable for each band level)
Applicants should ensure that their application has written examples, which address the selection criteria, indicating their ability to perform the role. Further information and guidance can be found on the AFP website Guides for applicants page.
Formal Interview
A formal interview will be conducted by the Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) with applicants who meet the required benchmark at the application stage.
Using the relevant selection criteria as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities; this includes assessment against technical skills and knowledge for applicants applying for the Legal Officer role.
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You can prepare for the interview by:
reviewing your responses to the selection criteria, picking a few additional examples to use in the interview
ensuring that your examples meet the required work level standards participating in a mock interview using the selection criteria to think of possible questions
FEEDBACKFeedback for this process will be provided to applicants as follows:
Application – unsuccessful applicants may request summarised written feedback regarding their application if requested.
Formal Interview – successful and unsuccessful applicants will receive their individual assessment and also verbal feedback from a SAC member at the end of the recruitment process if requested.
FURTHER ENQUIRIESIf you require further information regarding this vacancy please contact:
David Pammenter, Phone: 02 5126 4528, Email: [email protected] or Andrew Kelly, Phone: 02 5126 3713, Email: [email protected]
Applications close: 11:59pm (AEDT), Monday 21 September 2020.
HOW TO APPLYApplications for this position must be submitted through the AFP recruitment system, MyCareer, the link for this vacancy can be accessed via the AFP website vacancies page.
Please ensure that you upload all required documents to your application; full details of what you must provide are included in this candidate information pack.
If you are a current AFP employee, are going to be away during the advertising period and do not have access to AFP Net you will need to contact [email protected] to arrange for external access to be granted to you.
FURTHER READING AND HELPFUL INFORMATION Work level standards Guidelines for the applicants
How to develop a two page pitch
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Role ScopeAFP Legal, Senior Lawyer
Operations and Counter Terrorism
AFP appointees contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. AFP Legal is the AFP's in-house legal practice.
The Operations and Counter Terrorism team in AFP Legal is responsible for the provision of high quality, cost effective in-house professional legal services that directly support the operational law enforcement activities of the AFP. This includes:
providing advice to investigators on Commonwealth powers and offences providing support to large scale and long running operations through provision
of dedicated legal support reviewing and updating operational procedures based on Commonwealth
legislation providing advice on international and inter-jurisdictional operational issues providing advice on and support to the conduct of prosecutions, including
sufficiency of evidence, disclosure and protection of sensitive information, and liaising with the CDPP on prosecutorial issues.
Role Description
Senior Lawyers in the Operations and Counter Terrorism Team:
prepare complex and routine legal advice for internal clients on matters relating to AFP operations and investigations, including, amongst other things:
o police powers concerning arrest and searcho electronic surveillanceo the interpretation of criminal offence provisionso evidence and disclosure
provide guidance and mentor more junior lawyers draft supporting documents for and manage litigation relating to the control
order scheme in the Criminal Code 1995 advise the AFP Executive on matters relating to appearances before
Parliamentary committees provide legal support to sensitive investigations and counter terrorism matters, assist the AFP in responding to legislative reform proposals
A Senior Lawyer is required to:
have advanced legal technical knowledge
UNIQUE OPPORTUNIT IES ● REMARKABLE CAREERS 8
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
deliver high-quality, pragmatic legal advice and products deal with more complex matters with minimal supervision represent the AFP in high level discussions and negotiations with internal and
external stakeholders demonstrate leadership and integrity in their interactions with team members
and internal clients provide an appropriate level of guidance and mentoring to junior lawyers, taking
into account individual needs and band levels report to and support the Deputy General Counsel and other team members to
create a unified, cohesive and well-functioning team actively contribute to:
o legislative, governance and policy developmento shaping strategic thinking; and harnessing information and opportunities
for the broader benefit of the AFP assist AFP Legal management, General Counsel and Chief Counsel Maintain currency of legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional
development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process
Essential Requirements
Current Australian Citizen Either hold a current practising certificate or be eligible to apply for one A minimum of 12 months Post Admission Experience A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance, or ability to obtain one Hold tertiary qualifications in law and possess contemporary relevant legal knowledge
and experience Hold or be able to obtain a practicing certificate as an Australian Legal Practitioner Maintain currency in legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional
development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process
Selection Criteria
Achieves Results Contributes to Strategic Thinking Cultivates Productive Working Relationships Shows Personal Drive and Integrity Communicates with Influence Technical skills and knowledge
UNIQUE OPPORTUNIT IES ● REMARKABLE CAREERS 9
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AFP appointees contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. AFP Legal is the AFP's in-house legal practice.
The Operations and Counter Terrorism team in AFP Legal is responsible for the provision of high quality, cost effective in-house professional legal services that directly support the operational law enforcement activities of the AFP. This includes:
providing advice to investigators on Commonwealth powers and offences providing support to large scale and long running operations through provision
of dedicated legal support reviewing and updating operational procedures based on Commonwealth
legislation providing advice on international and inter-jurisdictional operational issues providing advice on and support to the conduct of prosecutions, including
sufficiency of evidence, disclosure and protection of sensitive information liaising with the CDPP on prosecutorial issues
Role Description
The Lawyer role requires the provision of timely, well-written and accurate legal advice and support to internal AFP clients in support of the AFP’s activities, and compliance with its governance requirements. This includes the following work:
prepare legal advice for internal clients on matters relating to AFP operations and investigations, including, amongst other things:
o police powers concerning arrest and searcho electronic surveillanceo the interpretation of criminal offence provisionso evidence and disclosure
produce and present training material relevant to the AFP powers and obligations under Commonwealth law
support and manage litigation relating to the control order scheme in the Criminal Code 1995
provide legal support to sensitive investigations and counter terrorism matters assist the AFP in responding to legislative reform proposals
A Lawyer in AFP Legal is also expected to:
deliver high-quality, pragmatic legal advice and products;
UNIQUE OPPORTUNIT IES ● REMARKABLE CAREERS 10
Role ScopeAFP Legal, Lawyer
Operations and Counter Terrorism
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take initiative and work with a significant degree of autonomy, but seek guidance and input as appropriate
liaise with AFP clients and take instructions deal with more challenging matters under supervision of a Senior Lawyer assist and support Senior Lawyers including in relation to:
o high level discussions and negotiations with external stakeholderso legislative, governance and policy development
contribute to AFP Legal strategic and corporate projects maintain currency in legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional
development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process
Essential Requirements
Current Australian Citizen Either hold a current practising certificate or be eligible to apply for one A minimum of 12 months Post Admission Experience A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance, or ability to obtain one Hold tertiary qualifications in law and possess contemporary relevant legal knowledge and
experience Hold or be able to obtain a practicing certificate as an Australian Legal Practitioner Maintain currency in legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development
and learning opportunities outside the formal education process
Selection Criteria
Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes Communicating and working effectively with other people Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills
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