Public Interest Careers Guide - Fair Work Ombudsman
Field of Law
Stage of Career
Graduates; Practising Lawyers; Indigenous students/lawyers
Contact Details
Address: Level 13, 175 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (08) 8402 9239
Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman Website
Contact person: Verity Yeates
Email: verity.yeates@fwo.gov.au
Description of Organisation
The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent statutory office created by the Fair Work Act 2009 to promote harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations and ensure compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws.
Number of legal positions within organisation: 39
Information for university students/graduates
Do you have a graduate program?
The Fair Work Ombudsman offers a generalist graduate program which is not limited to Law graduates, but to which Law graduates are welcome to apply.
As part of FWO's Graduate Program, graduates will complete a Diploma in Government through the Australian Public Service Commission. This provides graduates with exposure to a variety of training sessions, completion of a major project with real impact on the agency and the opportunity to work with graduates from other APS agencies.
What are you looking for in a graduate?
An interest and preferably some experience in employment law and a desire to gain litigation experience.
Qualifications/skills required
Bachelor Degree. Our preferred disciplines are Law, Industrial Relations or Human Resources, Business, and Communications.
What electives/areas of study are viewed favourably?
Any employment /workplace relations law and knowledge is desirable.
What prior work/volunteer work is viewed favourably?
Experience in employment /workplace relations law
Do you require your applicants to be recent law graduates? If so, how recent?
Must have graduated within 2 years (any degree)
Interview process
- Applications generally open around September for the following year.
- An assessment centre involving a group task, panel interview and written assessment. If successful at this stage candidates will have a one on one interview with the Chief Counsel or her representative.
Do you have a minimum Grade Point Average standard for an applicant's academic record?
No
If there are any fails on a candidate's academic record how will they affect the recruitment process?
They will not affect it.
Information for Indigenous students/lawyers
The Fair Work Ombudsman offers Indigenous Traineeships. For more information visit the Fair Work Ombudsman Indigenous Traineeships website
Information for practising lawyers
What are you looking for in a permanent employee?
- Motivated, engaged and enthusiastic lawyer with a strong interest in workplace relations law and particularly litigation.
- Complete tasks under limited direction. Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Exhibit strong personal drive and the ability to use your initiative. Build successful relationships and work as part of a team.
What prior work is viewed favourably?
Litigation and/or employment law experience.
On average, how many positions become available per year?
Approximately 6
How many applications do you receive for these?
25 - 30
Where do you advertise your positions?
Seek, APS Jobs, My Career
Do you use a recruitment agency?
Generally no, but we have previously.
Advice for applicants
Advice and Litigation is principally done in-house. Opportunities for advocacy are available
