Melissa Hanks

What is the best thing about AGS?

AGS offers a unique workplace culture that draws from both the private public spheres. I really enjoy the flexibility and respect that is afforded to junior letters - but without the unreasonable demands that are sometimes seen as the hallmark of corporate law. The work given to graduates is interesting and diverse, and the people work in all areas of the business are extremely friendly, supportive and eager to share their amazing knowledge.

What is the best thing about AGS's grad program?

On a social level, the grad program is great because it attracts graduates from all over Australia. Of the 12 graduates in our cohort, only 1 of us is originally from Canberra  and it has been great getting to know people from all around the country, particularly for those of us who moved to Canberra for the grad program. The fact that we have a smaller grad group than a lot of other government or corporate graduate programs also means that we have had the chance to get to know each other particularly well and, over the course of the year, we have built a solid social network and forged strong friendships.

Sarah Spottiswood

What is the best thing about AGS?

The work that I have been exposed to  at AGS has been incredible: from working on constitutional and employment law advices, to drafting FOI and privacy submissions, to working on leases and contracts for major Commonwealth agencies. It is also great to work with some of the best legal minds in the field of government law and with exceptional HR, client services and support staff. It really is a great place to work.

Learning and development

AGS graduates and lawyers at all levels have the opportunity to access a range of learning and development opportunities. There is a regular core legal skills training program for junior lawyers and weekly lunchtime seminars about different areas of law for all lawyers. AGS holds regular Government Law Group seminars for our government clients and graduates are encouraged to attend these as well.

My supervisors have proactively sought out opportunities to develop my skills on the job. I've been encouraged to attend client meetings, negotiations, court hearings and conferences. For example, I was able to attend the Australian Institute of Adminis`rative Law conference and learn about novel issues in administrative law from leading experts in the field.

Natascha Sommer

Coming from a beach lifestyle in Perth, I never imagined I would enjoy living in Canberra as much as I am. Granted, there were times during the 5-day drive across the Nullarbor when o was doubting Canberra as my destination of choice, but 8 months down the track I can confidently say that, right now, I am exactly where I want to be.

Many young people move to Canberra each year for graduate programs from all over Australia, which makes it a great place for going out and meeting new people. I particularly love the working lifestyle here because my commuting time has shrunk from 2 hours of driving per day in Perth to about 25 minutes per day of cycling. This means it is much easier to fit in commitments before and after hours and spend time with friends.

There are some great weekend activities too, particularly if you like the outdoors. Admittedly, I have spent more weekends out of Canberra at the coast than in Canberra, but that is another perk - it's really easy to escape if you need a break! The coast is only a few hours away, as is the snow in winter and Sydney if you are missing the big city life.

The national graduate orientation program

I spent my first week at AGS participating in the national graduate orientation program with the graduates from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. I was nervous going in for the first day because I didn't know anyone but, even after just 1 day, I felt very comfortable at AGS. It was great to meet the other graduates and spend so much time with them in the first week.

AGS graduate culture

Being a grad at AGS has been great. It is really nice to be part of a group of others sharing the same new experiences. All the Canberra-based rotating grads this year moved here from other States and Territories, so we spent the first few weeks sharing stories about securing accommodation, adjusting to new flatmates and finding the best (and worst) cafes and bars in town. As time went on, we bonded over various other challenges like completing the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, the Canberra winter and, most recently, preparing our court admission documents.

AGS workplace culture

AGS is a really unique legal environment to work in. We have billable targets and deal with complex matters, but AGS fosters a positive culture where having a life outside of work is completely achievable.

I would be lying if I said that I never had hard or stressful days at work, but these have always been associated with high-profile or interesting work. Some of my longest but most interesting days at AGS were spent working on matters like the mining tax challenge in the High Court, the tobacco plain packaging arbitration and preparing vaccine supply contracts for the Government's immunisation program.

Liam Meagher

Why I chose AGS

What primarily drew me to AGS was the unique opportunity to work exclusively on government maters within a commercial context. I had a strong interest in the law as it applied to government, and in governance more broadly. AGS provided an opportunity to work in that area, within a culture focused on gaining and satisfying clients who are able to go elsewhere.

Highlight of my grad year

Watching some of the best lawyers in Australia deliver presentations and arguments in court was part of the graduate program. I was able to witness numerous High Court cases and see some of the best in their trade make arguments on highly complex matters.

Ella Howard

What is the best thing about AGS?

One of the best things about AGS is the range of work that is done here. While I came to AGS predominantly thinking of the constitutional and administrative law aspects of government legal work, I have been pleasantly surprised as I have gotten to know other areas of the AGS practice.

What is the best thing about AGS's grad program?

The graduate program is a great opportunity to get a sense of the range of AGS work and experience the nature of that work and the working style of the groups. It is a great way to get to know what area you might like to work in at the end of the program. Additional features of the program, such as the outpost and the pro bono placement, are a valuable way to get a sense of how our clients operate and how AGS gives back to the community.