Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson has resigned from office, claiming his relationship with Attorney-General George Brandis is "irretrievably broken".

Key points: Spat with Brandis sparked by Gleeson's claim he was not consulted on laws

Spat with Brandis sparked by Gleeson's claim he was not consulted on laws Gleeson rejects "each and every attack and insinuation" made by government ministers

Gleeson rejects "each and every attack and insinuation" made by government ministers Brandis says Gleeson's resignation is the "proper course of action"

Mr Gleeson tendered his resignation on Monday after a high-profile spat with the Attorney-General that played out before a senate inquiry earlier this month.

The second-highest law officer in Australia publicly criticised Senator Brandis, claiming he was not consulted on marriage equality and anti-terrorism citizenship laws.

Mr Gleeson also claimed he was not consulted about a decision to block him from providing legal advice to anyone in the Government without the permission of the Attorney-General.

In a resignation letter sent to Senator Brandis, Mr Gleeson rejected "each and every attack and insinuation" that was made upon his office and his conduct by government ministers.

"I have come to this conclusion with regret, but the best interests of the Commonwealth can be served only when its first and second law officers enjoy each other's complete trust and confidence within a mutually respectful relationship," Mr Gleeson said.

"My decision does not amount to a withdrawal of any position I have taken in relation to matters of controversy between us, including before the Senate Legal and Constitution Affairs References Committee."

Senator Brandis accepted the resignation, noting it was the "proper course of action".

"I agree with the view, expressed in your letter, that in the circumstances this is the proper course for you to take," he wrote in a return letter.

"I take this opportunity to thank you for your service as the Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth and wish you well in your future career."

Treasurer Scott Morrison told the ABC's 7.30 program trust between the lawyer and the Government had broken down.

"The former Solicitor-General put himself in an untenable position when he engaged with the Opposition during the middle of an election campaign," Mr Morrison said.

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The Senate inquiry heard Mr Gleeson had conversations with Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus during the election campaign, when the Government was in caretaker mode.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Mr Gleeson was an "honourable man" who had been pushed out of office by a "dishonourable Government", adding "Turnbull should hang his head in shame".

Mr Dreyfus said Senator Brandis' treatment of Mr Gleeson was "reprehensible" and "scandalous".

"The Commonwealth has lost from its service a great legal mind and one of the most experienced constitutional lawyers in this country as its most senior legal adviser," he said.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Mr Dreyfus had politicised the dispute.

"It was Mark Dreyfus who dragged the Solicitor-General to a Senate inquiry and tried to use him as a political weapon against the Attorney-General," Ms Bishop said.

Greens Justice spokesman Nick McKim said the Solicitor-General had little choice but to resign.

"George Brandis' personal attacks on Mr Gleeson and his attempts to set himself up as a gatekeeper to the Solicitor-General have left Mr Gleeson with no other choice," Mr McKim said.

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Senator Brandis told the senate inquiry he had consulted Mr Gleeson on the legal direction during a meeting in November 2015.

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He said the meeting was called to address Mr Gleeson's concerns his work had been "hampered" and his accusations the Government had failed to properly consult him on a number of contentious issues.

Mr Gleeson said there needed to be greater coordination between the Government and his office and expressed concern about the "accurate public representation" of his advice.

Senator Brandis said he would immediately begin the search for a replacement solicitor-general.

While that process is underway, Mr Gleeson's colleague Tom Howe QC will act as Solicitor-General.

Mr Gleeson is expected to leave his office on November 7.

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