Inside AGS (VIC)
Cathryn Moore
Why I chose AGS
I encountered AGS lawyers in action in a previous role. I noticed that the matters that AGS was involved in were consistently interesting. I found AGS lawyers to be highly professional in handling the complex issues often involved in representing the Commonwealth, including upholding model litigant obligations in the interests of justice. I knew, based on this exposure, that AGS was somewhere I could be both challenged and proud to work.
What is the best thing about AGS?
The wealth of experience amongst AGS lawyers is second to none, but that's not the best thing about AGS. The best thing is the willingness of AGS lawyers at all levels to share that experience with each other. During my year as a graduate I have felt comfortable to pick up the phone and ask questions of some of the most senior lawyers at AGS - some of the best legal minds in the country - and ask for their input. That kind of culture around knowledge sharing doesn't only lead to good outcomes, it also creates great development opportunities.
The best thing about AGS's grad program
The AGS graduate program provides a unique platform to observe the different areas of government law in practice. Throughout my experience of the graduate program, I have been given meaningful tasks and exposed to varied matters. Obviously, this chance to sample the types of work different areas are involved with provides a solid basis for deciding which areas I want to practice in. It has also meant I can develop a broader skill set and encounter more great lawyers and their practice styles.
Learning and development
Being a junior lawyer at AGS means having access to the Lawyer Development Program even after the graduate year is complete. Regardless of the area of practice, AGS ensures all junior lawyers are trained in a core set of general legal skills and issues unique to government legal practice. I think the Lawyer Development Program also stands apart because lawyers are encouraged to use it for cross-practice peer support and giving meaningful feedback about their learning and development needs.
A further mark of AGS's commitment to graduate development is that it removes the pressure of billable hours and budgets during the graduate year so that the focus is truly on skill development and quality learning opportunities.
The highlight of my grad year
This is a difficult question to answer! One of the most valuable experiences of my graduate year was an outpost to Australia Post. My outpost offered a unique snapshot of the inner workings of 1 of the country's oldest and most integral organisations.