Are you an Environmental Law specialist? Join us for a 12 month opportunity with potential for permanency.

About the role

The State Solicitor's Office (the Office) is seeking an experienced lawyer to join our busy Advice, Policy and Public Law (APPL) section, specialising in environmental law. This position is offered as an initial 12 month fixed-term opportunity, with the possibility of extension and/or permanency subject to securing ongoing funding. 

Candidates must have demonstrated ability to advise on matters of statutory interpretation and administrative law, specifically in the context of environmental law.  Experience advising on other relevant legislation, such as mining and resources legislation, or administered by State or Commonwealth environmental agencies, is also desirable.

This role will predominantly involve providing legal advice to State environmental agencies, including the Environmental Protection Authority, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

As an environmental law specialist, you will work closely with other members in the team who work in this area.

This recruitment process is designed to identify a body of suitable lawyers at the following levels:

• Solicitor L3LG $152,143 - $162,635 per annum or pro rata plus super.
• Assistant State Solicitor Level L4LG $171,520 - $202,303 per annum or pro rata plus super.
• Assistant State Solicitor Level L5LG $221,389 per annum or pro rata plus super.
• Senior Assistant State Solicitor Level L6LG $244,359 - $273,991 per annum or pro rata plus super.

We have a current opening for a lawyer that we are keen to fill immediately. The decision on how many offers of employment will be made, at what levels and when, will be determined by business needs. Offers of employment which are drawn from this recruitment pool will be for fixed term or permanent opportunities, depending on business needs.

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Jessica Evans, Deputy State Solicitor – Advice, Policy and Public Law via email j.evans@sso.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9264 9988 to organise a time for a confidential discussion.

About us

The State Solicitor's Office is responsible for the provision of broad based, high quality legal services to the Government of Western Australia and to a wide range of state government client departments and agencies including advice on law reform. You can find more about the Office, its functions and key contributions here.

The Office is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and value the unique contributions of all employees. We are committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as outlined in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.   

To support this commitment, we have applied Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) to this recruitment process. This vacancy is open to all interested applicants, however Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

What does this mean? See the attached Section 51 – Guide for Applicants for more information. 

About you

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• Experience in provision of legal advice in relation to environmental assessment, environmental protection and/or environmental regulation under State or Commonwealth law.
• Experience in advising on matters of statutory interpretation and administrative law.
• High degree of legal ability and knowledge in advising on matters of legal and factual complexity
• Ability to build productive relationships with external stakeholders and clients.
• For L5LG & L6LG applicants only, ability to work effectively as a member of a team and provide guidance to junior lawyers

Experience advising other relevant legislation, such as mining and resources legislation, or other legislation administered by State or Commonwealth environmental agencies, is also desirable.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the attached Job Description Form (JDF), which outlines the role requirements and selection criteria. This information will assist applicants in preparing their application.

How to apply

If you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity, apply now by submitting:

• A CV outlining your experience and key achievements relative to the position.
• A covering letter of no more than three (3) pages addressing the criteria as outlined under "About you".
• Copies of any relevant qualifications and academic transcripts.

Note: during the selection process we'll be assessing applicants against all the qualifications outlined in the relevant JDF.

Please allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

To submit your application click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Employee Benefits

As an employee of the State Solicitor's Office, you can enjoy the following:

• Generous leave entitlements, including 3 extra public service holidays per year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff.
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Program.
• Salary packaging is available.
• 12% Superannuation
• Discounted Private Health Insurance with eligible providers.
• Access to a fitness passport - use any eligible gym, Australia wide!
• Access to the Office's in-house continuing professional development program (CPD) and Membership of the Law Society.

Other important information

Support

If you have access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate at any stage of the selection process, please can contact SSOHR at ssohr@sso.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Subsequent Vacancies

The Office may conduct further search activities after the closing date, if required, to extend the field of applicants. 

Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies in the Department for a period of twelve (12) months.

The recommended applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment screening process prior to appointment. This includes undergoing employment screening, which includes a National Criminal History Check and other checks that may be relevant to the position requirements.