Legal Services Directions Team
The Legal Services Directions Team monitors the operation of the Legal Services Directions 2005, and provides advice on the interpretation and implementation of the Directions.
The Directions form the framework for the delivery of Commonwealth legal services, and apply to Commonwealth departments and agencies.
The intent of the Directions is to ensure coordination and consistency of Commonwealth legal advice, through advice on issues such as:
- significant issues reporting (paragraph 3)
- consultation between agencies (paragraph 10)
- tied work (Appendix A)
- the obligation to act as a model litigant (Appendix B)
- settlement of monetary claims against the Commonwealth (Appendix C), and
- engagement of counsel (Appendix D)
The Legal Services Directions Team is also responsible for providing assistance and policy advice on Appendix F of the Directions and on policy issues related to Commonwealth legal services procurement. Appendix F sets out the requirements for Commonwealth agencies when procuring legal services, including the requirement to use the common form tender documents when establishing a panel of legal services providers. Appendix F also includes the obligation for agencies to include a clause in their legal services contracts or deeds of standing offer requiring law firms to report to OLSC on their pro bono work in a template approved by OLSC.
Education and Awareness
The Legal Services Directions Team is always available for general consultation and advice, however, we also conduct training and awareness seminars, to address any issues or concerns that agencies may have in complying with the Directions. Seminars can be tailored to the needs of an individual agency.
Please contact us on (02) 6141 3640 or olsc@ag.gov.au for further information.
Contact us
Office of Legal Services Coordination
Australian Government
Attorney-General’s Department
3-5 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600
Telephone (02) 6141 3642
Email: olsc@ag.gov.au
