Government Lawyer at Services Australia
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at University of New South Wales (UNSW)
What's your job about?
I work as a government lawyer for Services Australia, one of the largest government agencies in Australia that services almost the entire population.
During my first rotation, I worked in the employment law team. I then completed an Indigenous placement. The placement involved travelling on remote servicing trips around Broome to provide Centrelink services to Indigenous communities.
Currently, I work in the program advice team in the agency’s legal services division. My main role is providing advice to areas in the agency who have questions about welfare programs and whether they meet legal requirements. Because of the seemingly endless number of programs the agency implements, my advice ranges from considering the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to the review of child support payments. I’ve had the chance to seriously develop my statutory interpretation skills as my work is almost like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle made of pieces of legislation. When you see the final picture, it’s a very satisfying moment!
What's your background?
Despite having lived in Canberra for over a year now, I still cling to my identity as a Sydneysider (I miss the sea). I grew up in the leafy northwest suburbia on the edge of the city, in a suburb so small that it (to this day) doesn’t have a single shop. I studied history and law at university, crossing the harbour bridge on the train twice a day to get to and from campus.
During my studies I developed a strong liking for administrative (i.e. government) law, which was really where my interest in public service started. I also did 3 separate exchanges, spending time studying in England, Germany and China. Through these experiences, I cultivated my love of travel, getting the chance to explore different cultures and perspectives.
A job in a Commonwealth agency seemed like the logical choice, especially after my year-long stint in a large corporate law firm. This is where I decided that the long hours, limited responsibility and ‘live to work’ culture wasn’t a good fit for me and I’ve never looked back.
Moving to Canberra and working as a government lawyer, with the varied work and balanced lifestyle that entails, was one of my best decisions. It has even involved a bit of travel!
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Anyone with a degree in law (no matter the nature of their previous legal experience) is eligible to apply for the legal stream. However, you must be committed to completing your practical legal training and becoming a lawyer. I know countless people who’ve completed this post-university training while working in the agency, so it’s certainly something that’s supported.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
My favourite thing about my job is that I have responsibility for my own matters. I see a task through from start to finish, which is a very rewarding experience. The client comes to me with a question, we build on our relationship by discussing the issues and I work on the advice and provide the client with a response. Solving someone’s problems can be quite thrilling, and getting a thank you, even more so. Not to mention the skills I learn in the process!
What are the limitations of your job?
Working as a government lawyer can be stressful at times – people look to you for solutions, and you won’t always have them ready. It’s a fast-paced environment and urgent requests for advice do pop up. If you like that adrenaline rush, go for it!
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