This is a Pool process with permanent full time and part time opportunities (a minimum of 0.8FTE will be considered).

About the role

The State Solicitor's Office (the Office) is searching for dynamic and experienced lawyers to join our busy Commercial section.  The Commercial team provides support across government in relation to advising on, and the commercial negotiation and drafting of, contractual documents in relation to commercial activities of government including for State Agreements, the procurement and delivery of major projects and the outsourcing and service aspects of large-scale transactions in social and infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in commercial law, with expertise in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, and providing strategic advice to clients. In particular, we are seeking lawyers with specialist skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Energy and resources law – applicants should be able to demonstrate their experience advising in energy and resources law, including in relation to project development, project approvals, land tenure and legislative regimes. Experience in State Agreement negotiations and drafting is highly desirable but not essential.
• Technology law – applicants should be able to demonstrate their experience advising in all aspects of technology law, including outsourcing, software and app procurement, cloud-based solutions and artificial intelligence (AI).
• Intellectual property law – applicants should be able to demonstrate their experience in advising, drafting and negotiating on matters involving the identification, protection, commercialisation and enforcement of IP, specifically in relation to copyright, trade mark, design, confidential information and related rights.

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

• Solicitor Level 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.
• Senior Assistant State Solicitor Level L7LG $287,976 per annum or pro rata plus super.

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 on a permanent basis.

Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of these positions. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Carolyn McKell, Acting Deputy State Solicitor on (08) 9264 1101 or email c.mckell@sso.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

About us

The State Solicitor's Office provides a broad range of high-quality legal services to the Attorney General, the Government of Western Australia, its departments and agencies. 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 values 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. 

How to apply

For your application to be considered, please submit:

• A Comprehensive CV outlining your experience and key achievements relative to the position,including the contact details of two referees.
• Copies of any relevant qualifications and admission certificate.
• A statement of no more than three (3) pages outlining:
  • The level you are applying for;
  • The area/s of work you are applying for; and
  • Why you are interested in joining the Commercial legal team, and how your skills and experience will make you a good fit to perform the required work in the context of the Job Related Requirements found on the JDF attachment to this advertisement.

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.

Please note: Solicitors currently employed by the Office may ONLY apply for opportunities at their current classification level. Internal applications for higher classification levels will not be eligible for promotion via this process.

Employee Benefits

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

• Various leave entitlements, including 3 extra public service holidays per year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff.
• In-house CPD training
• 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.