This is a fixed term, full time – 2 year contract.

About us

The Solicitor-General is the principal legal adviser to the Attorney General and, through the Attorney General, to the State Government and its agencies. In addition, the Solicitor-General appears in court as counsel for the State and, when requested by the Attorney General, for agencies of the State and other bodies.

The first law officer of the State is the Attorney General, which is a political position; the second law officer of the State is the Solicitor-General which is an independent position. There is an interconnection between the two roles, and the Attorney General can delegate functions to the Solicitor-General.

The office is an independent, statutory office created by the Solicitor-General Act 1969. Centrally located in the Perth CBD, the Solicitor-General’s Chambers consists of the Solicitor-General, a Professional Assistant and an Office Administrator.

The Solicitor-General's Office works closely with the State Solicitor's Office in litigation and advice work to Government.

About the role

The Solicitor-General's Chambers is searching for a law student to join their busy legal practice as the Solicitor-General’s Professional Assistant.

The Solicitor-General’s Professional Assistant is responsible for assisting the Solicitor-General in High Court and other litigation and provides legal research and assistance to the Solicitor-General, including in constitutional law.

The position is a unique opportunity to work closely with the Solicitor-General, Jean Shaw SC.

Duties include:

• Attending the High Court, Supreme Court and other courts and tribunals.
• Researching case law, including in the area of Constitutional law.
• Directly assisting the drafting of pleadings, submissions and lists of authorities.
• Assisting in researching and drafting advice to the Attorney General and government on legal issues and the government's legislative program, including in the area of constitutional law.

The work is interesting, diverse and challenging, and will provide an excellent basis for a successful career in law.

Notable past Professional Assistants to the Solicitor-General include:

• Hon Peter Quinlan – Chief Justice of Western Australia
• Hon Janine Pritchard – Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal
• Hon Robert Mitchell – Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal
• Hon Jennifer Smith – Former Justice of the Supreme Court
• Hon Christine Wheeler AO KC – Former Justice of the Supreme Court

About you

The successful applicant will have a strong interest in constitutional law, and display developed research, analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills. They must be self-motivated, and able to work in a small team and autonomously as required.

It is expected the successful applicant will commence in either December 2026 or January 2027 on a two-year full-time contract.

It is anticipated that, following completion of their contract, Professional Assistants will apply for graduate employment with the State Solicitor’s Office.

Suitability Requirements

Through the recruitment process, we will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate skills, experience and attributes in relation to the following.

Shapes and Manages Strategy

Understands the reasons for decisions made within the Office and should be able to explain how they are related to their work. Identifies issues that may impact on the achievement of goals and informs supervisor, utilises knowledge of the work environment to contribute to planning activities. Draws information from a variety of sources and apply common sense to analyse what information is important/relevant.

Achieve Results

Reschedules and reorganises work to reflect changes in priorities. Demonstrates knowledge of new programs, plans or services that are relevant to the position and maintains accurate records and files. Ensures that tasks are completed within allocated timeframes are all fundamental to this role.

Builds Productive Relationships

Builds and maintains relationships with senior management colleagues and client. Shares information with stakeholders and ensures that relevant/important information is shared where required. Understands and acts on constructive feedback.

Exemplifies Personal Integrity and Self-Awareness

Adheres to the Code of Conduct in all interactions, behaves in an honest professional and ethical way. Checks and confirms the accuracy of all information prior to release and takes responsibility for the completion of work and seeks guidance where necessary. Meets agreed performance levels and seeks and accepts supervisor feedback and guidance.

Communicates and Influences Effectively

Communicates clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing. Gains a clear understanding of others' comments by actively listening and asking questions to ensure understanding. Checks that own views have been understood and able to discuss issues thoughtfully without becoming aggressive.

Role Specific Criteria

• Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) degree or significant progress towards completion of that degree.
• Proven ability to undertake legal research.
• Demonstrated interest in Constitutional law and conventions relating to the State government, its departments and instrumentalities.

Eligibility to Apply

Applications will be accepted from:

1. Penultimate year law students.

These applicants must be prepared to complete their final year of study part time over the two year period. Paid study leave will be provided to attend lectures, tutorials and exams.

2. Final year law students.

3. Legal graduates.

Please note that while this recruitment process is open to law graduates, applications from law students are preferred. Further, we will accept applications from graduates who have been admitted to practice law; however practicing lawyers will not be eligible to apply. This ineligibility includes overseas qualified and practicing lawyers who have completed an Australian law degree for admission in Western Australia.

All employees are required to undergo employment screening, which includes a National Criminal History Check and other checks that may be relevant to the position requirements.

Application process

How to apply

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

We require you to submit:

1. A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages discussing why you want to undertake a Professional Assistant position in the Solicitor-General’s Chambers. This should cover your:

• Demonstrated interest in constitutional law and conventions relating to the State government, its departments and instrumentalities;
• Proven ability to undertake legal research; and
• Proven ability to work autonomously and build productive relationships.

2. A current comprehensive CV including contact details of two referees; and

3. A copy of your most recent current academic transcript.

All remaining Suitability Requirements will be assessed at a later stage in the process.

Subsequent Vacancies

Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies for a period of twelve (12) months, in accordance with section 7d of the Commissioner’s Instructions No.48 – Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Permanent Vacancies, and section 9d of the Commissioner Instructions 49 - Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Fixed Term Vacancies. Permanent, fixed term, full time and part time appointments may be offered in Perth Metropolitan during this period.

For further job-related information

If you would like further information regarding the position and/or vacancy please contact Lana Mestichelli, Office Administrator, on (08) 9264 1806 for a confidential discussion.

Equity and Diversity

The Solicitor-General’s Chambers is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce as part of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan and its Aboriginal Workforce Development Strategy. We embrace diversity and encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women and youth.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can access support by following this link.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For a confidential discussion about support or adjustments, please contact the person listed above or email workforcediversity@justice.wa.gov.au.

Submitting your application

To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this advertisement.

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

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone RAMS Helpdesk ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com on 1300 733 056 for assistance.

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