Bring your paralegal skills into complex Native Title and State Lands work

About the role

The Office is seeking a proactive and highly organised Level 4 Managing Law Clerk (Paralegal) for a permanent opportunity within our Legal Practice Support team for the Native Title and State Lands Section, with one (1) permanent vacancy available for immediate filling.

In this role, you will manage complex and sensitive legal files and provide high-level paralegal support to Legal Officers. Your work will include legal research, file and matter management, preparing complex legal documents and correspondence, and liaising with clients and stakeholders.

You will also contribute to the effective operation of the team by assisting with coordinating workloads, supporting resource allocation and staff development, and identifying opportunities to improve legal practice support services. This role will suit someone who can exercise sound judgement, manage competing priorities and contribute positively to a collaborative and professional legal environment.

About us

The State Solicitor's Office (the 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 working in a legal environment as a paralegal or similar support role, including managing complex legal files and preparing high-quality legal and court-related documents.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgement, manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy and confidentiality.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with legal practitioners, clients and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capability, with a collaborative approach to supporting colleagues, improving practices and delivering high-quality legal support services.

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 Comprehensive CV outlining your experience and key achievements related to the position.
• A covering letter of no more than two (2) pages addressing the following questions:
  1. Tell us about a complex legal matter you managed or supported. How did you coordinate the work, prepare legal documents, use legal practice systems and Microsoft 365, and ensure the work was accurate and met relevant requirements?
  2. Describe a time you worked with legal practitioners, clients or other stakeholders to achieve an outcome. How did you communicate and build effective working relationships to progress the work?
  3. Describe a time you provided leadership within a legal support team. How did you coordinate priorities, support or develop staff, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal support services? What was the outcome?

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

More information  

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Julie Shields, Senior Managing Law Clerk (NTSL) on (08) 9264 1866 or email j.shields@sso.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

Submitting your application

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone BigRedSky Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 for assistance.

If you have any needs that require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and assessment process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact ssohr@sso.wa.gov.au.

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!

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.