Core Legal Capabilities Training Series

AGS is now offering a new Core Legal Capabilities training program for in-house Commonwealth lawyers.

The program aims to strengthen participants’ awareness of core legal topics relevant to Commonwealth legal practice. It is designed to provide practical guidance and share professional insights, with a particular focus on the distinct features of Commonwealth legal work and the steps government lawyers should take to effectively meet their professional obligations. 

The program will cover the following topics:

  • Statutory interpretation
  • Commonwealth disputes
  • Government transactions
  • Commonwealth and Commonwealth bodies
  • Privileges, immunities and handling of confidential information
  • Administrative law 
  • Commonwealth finance law
  • Policy development and legislative process
  • Government contracts
  • FOI and privacy
  • Professional and ethical duties of Commonwealth lawyers 
  • Public sector employment
  • Constitutional law.

The program consists of a one-hour online presentation, supported by an accompanying 20- to 30-minute podcast. Each legal topic will be delivered by senior AGS subject matter experts.

While the program is open to all in-house lawyers from Commonwealth agencies, including those from corporate Commonwealth entities, in-house government lawyers who are new, or relatively new, to Commonwealth legal practice (regardless of level) are encouraged to attend these sessions.

This training is different from but complementary to the AGLS Foundational Government Lawyer Training, which is run over 3 days, biannually.

The following courses are scheduled between July and September 2026 and will be run twice (see Option 1 and Option 2 below):

Commonwealth disputes

Option 1. Presented in August

Option 2. Thursday 10 September 2026 at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm AEST

Government transactions

Government transactions come in all shapes and sizes and are often central to the Commonwealth's delivery of major projects, services and policy outcomes.

The way a transaction is structured and delivered can have real consequences for value for money, probity, accountability and public confidence. They can involve significant expenditure, complex risks, multiple stakeholders and intense scrutiny, so it is crucial to have a structured process with the right legal and commercial approach from the outset.

This practical session will explore how government lawyers can navigate the commercial, legal and public-sector considerations that shape a transaction from start to finish. We'll do this through real-world examples, scenarios and useful anecdotes. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and connect with fellow government lawyers, in person or online.

Option 1. Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm AEST (Hybrid)

Option 2. Wednesday 14 October 2026 at 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm AEST (Online only)

Commonwealth and Commonwealth bodies

This topic uncovers the finer details of the framework that sits around the Commonwealth and Commonwealth bodies. This training session will be delivered online via Microsoft teams.

Option 1. Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm AEST

Option 2. Thursday 5 November 2026 at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm AEST

Administrative law concepts

This topic explores the concepts that support a sound understanding of the principles of decision-making, administrative law and the legislation which makes up the Commonwealth's administrative law package. This training session will be delivered online via Microsoft teams.

Option 1. Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm AEST

Option 2. Thursday 10 December 2026 at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm AEST

Who can attend

Australian government lawyers working in Commonwealth entities at all levels can register to attend.

For registration and costing information visit the AGS website.