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?

Chief Counsel Portfolio

The AFP’s Chief Counsel Portfolio (CCP) is a dynamic, professional, diverse and interesting legal practice, underpinned by our commitment to AFP values and desire to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

The CCP is comprised of:

• The Chief Counsel Office;
• AFP Legal (which is AFP Legal Operations Team and AFP Legal Corporate Team); and
• Criminal Assets Litigation (CAL) (which is CAL North Team and CAL South Team).

The portfolio is geographically dispersed across six capital cities. The Portfolio is managed by the Chief Counsel and each legal team is managed by a General Counsel.

AFP Legal Corporate

The AFP Legal Corporate team is responsible for the provision of legal advice and litigation services that directly support the operational law enforcement activities of the AFP.

AFP Legal provides high quality, cost effective in-house professional legal services in administrative, operational, commercial and employment law to the AFP.

Applications are sought from suitably qualified applicants wishing to be considered for the role of Legal Team Leader - AFP Legal Corporate –Commercial and Governance Law Team.

As a Team Leader you also play a pivotal role in developing people, managing change and influencing behaviours that lead to a supportive culture that respects the perspectives, talents and value of each individual. Consistent with the AFP values, AFP leadership philosophy, organisational reform agendas, AFP corporate business plans and your Performance Development Agreement, the expectation is that you will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

The role of Legal Team Leader in AFP Legal requires strong management and leadership skills. Coupled with this, the role requires substantial technical expertise, including the ability to provide timely, well-written and accurate legal advice across commercial and governance matters including in relation to procurement and contracts, intellectual property, leasing and operational and financial governance.

The Legal Team Leader Corporate – Commercial and Governance is expected to:

• Supervise a diverse team (including geographically diverse teams where appropriate) including lawyers with different levels of experience;
• Manage the team’s workflow and priorities to align with Chief Counsel Portfolio (CCP), AFP Legal and AFP priorities;
• Conduct, and/or manage/supervise complex matters with minimal supervision;
• Represent the AFP in high level discussions and negotiations with external stakeholders;
• Actively progress legislative, governance and policy development;
• Actively contribute to, encourage and influence the team’s contribution to, knowledge and information management initiatives; and
• Collaborate with Coordinators, General Counsels and Chief Counsel to achieve CCP objectives and support the broader organisation strategic direction.

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.
• All applicants must hold a current practising certificate.
• Demonstrated experience in commercial commercial and governance law.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team.

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Minimum AFP Band level 7 (equivalent to APS EL1).
• Minimum of 5 years post admission experience

Additional Information

• This position is an AFP Band 8 level.
• This role is located in Canberra and applicants are expected to be based in Canberra. Interstate applicants must be willing to relocate at their own cost.

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: Alison Macdonald

Contact Officer Phone:02 5127 4136

Contact Officer Email: [email protected]

Applications Close: 11:59pm AEDT 20/10/2025