Build your legal career while working on commercial matters in a leading government legal practice.  

About the role  

The State Solicitor's Office (the Office) is seeking a motivated and capable Professional Assistant to join the Commercial Section on a two-year fixed-term contract. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a law student who has made significant progress towards their law degree and is looking to combine practical legal experience with ongoing study. The successful applicant will work full-time while completing the final stages of their legal studies on a part-time basis. 

Working within the Commercial Section, you will support the delivery of high-quality legal services to Government while developing practical skills in legal research, drafting and matter management. You will join a team of approximately 30 experienced commercial lawyers, working on a wide range of commercial matters and building an understanding of clients, legal processes and the unique issues impacting the Western Australian public sector. 

The Commercial Section represents the State on major commercial transactions and projects across areas such as infrastructure, resources, procurement, finance and property. As your capability develops, you will progressively take on more complex work while benefiting from structured supervision, mentoring and professional development within the State Solicitor's Office, the largest public sector legal practice in Western Australia. 

Key aspects of this role include:  

• Undertaking legal research on matters relevant to Government, departments, agencies and instrumentalities.  

• Assisting with the preparation of commercial legal advice, contract documentation, negotiations, submissions, pleadings and other legal documentation.  

• Supporting lawyers with the management and delivery of commercial legal matters.  

• Developing practical experience across a broad range of specialised commercial law matters. 

• Working closely with experienced practitioners and developing professional skills in preparation for a legal career in commercial law. 

While Professional Assistants may choose to apply for future employment opportunities with the State Solicitor's Office, this position does not form part of the Office's graduate recruitment program and does not provide a guaranteed pathway to ongoing employment. Any future employment opportunities with the Office are subject to the relevant recruitment and selection processes. 

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  

This opportunity is ideal for someone who is passionate about the law, enjoys learning and is looking to gain valuable practical experience while completing their studies.  

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

• Entering your final year of a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor in 2027 and a genuine interest in commercial law and government legal practice.  

• Excellent academic results. 

• Proven ability to undertake legal research and analyse complex legal information.  

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build productive working relationships and provide high-quality support.  

• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, managing priorities and delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes.  

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

More information  

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Natalie Tan, Acting Adviser (Commercial) on (08) 9264 6201 or email n.tan@sso.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.  

How to apply  

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

• A current resume outlining your experience and key achievements relative to the position.  

• A covering letter of no more than one (1) page addressing what you would bring to the role, your skills and abilities relevant to the role.  

• A copy of your most current Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor academic transcript. 

Submitting your application 

To submit your application click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page. Emailed and late applications will not be accepted so please allow sufficient time to submit 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.