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 dynamic, motivated and experienced individuals wishing to be considered for positions as Litigation Lawyers in the Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce in Melbourne. Positions are available at the 3-6 level. You must be admitted as an Australian legal practitioner and hold a practising certificate (or be eligible to obtain one) at the time of commencement.

The appropriate band level will be assessed for the successful candidates according to their post-qualification experience and skill set against the AFP work level standards. These roles work closely with investigation teams and provide a challenging opportunity for commercial or civil litigators who wish to broaden their horizons.

The AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce adopts a coordinated and proactive approach to the confiscation of assets related to Commonwealth crime. It brings together expertise in investigations, litigation, intelligence, forensic accounting and other specialist resources and representatives from key partner agencies including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). The main aim of the Taskforce is to enhance the identification of criminal assets and benefits derived from crime, and to pursue their confiscation.

Criminal Assets Litigation (CAL) is a key part of the Taskforce and teams of Litigation Lawyers are co-located with Taskforce investigators. CAL is responsible for conducting civil litigation on behalf of the Commissioner under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth) and for international referrals under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987 (Cth), as well as providing legal advice to the Taskforce and the Commissioner on proceeds of crime matters. The CAL team provides high quality, cost effective in-house professional litigation services to the Commissioner and litigation lawyers regularly appear for the Commissioner, and instruct counsel, in the County Court of Vic and other States and Territories as required.

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?

You will work on litigation matters in the Courts for the AFP as in-house solicitor on the record, progressing dynamic, cutting edge litigation aimed at confiscating criminal assets and benefits derived from unlawful activity. The litigation is civil in nature and conducted pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth) or the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987 (Cth), amongst other legislation.

Your duties may include:

• Conducting complex Commonwealth proceeds of crime litigation on behalf of the Commissioner;
• Researching legal matters and preparing legal advice and assistance to the Criminal Assets Confiscation taskforce concerning the litigation of Commonwealth proceeds of crime matters;
• Representing the AFP in negotiations and meetings with other parties or their legal representatives in relation to complex proceeds of crime litigation involving the AFP; and
• Appearing for the AFP or instructing counsel, and assisting in the conduct of proceeds of crime matters as required.

Essential Requirements

• Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one;
• Must be an Australian citizen at time of application;
• 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;
• Prior experience in commercial litigation, criminal law or law enforcement work highly regarded; and
• Maintain currency in legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process.

Additional Information

• Two year non-ongoing role.
• This role is located in Melbourne and applicants are expected to be based in Melbourne.
• This position is an AFP Broadband 3-6 (Legal) level.

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.

Contact Officer: Sarbjeet Banwait,

Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 6472

Contact Officer Email: [email protected]