This pool recruitment process will be used to fill permanent, fixed term, full time and part time vacancies that may arise over a period of 12 months from the date of finalisation of the recruitment process. Fixed term appointments may be made with the possibility of extension/s and/or permanency. There is currently 1 vacancy available (full time, fixed term to 30 June 2027).

Use your legal skills for work that matters, supporting access to justice for disadvantaged Western Australians.

About the role

This is an opportunity for an experienced lawyer to undertake senior criminal law work in a busy, supportive and purpose-driven legal practice. The role involves providing high quality legal advice and representation on complex matters, including trial and appellate work, making sound forensic decisions, negotiating effectively, drafting complex legal documents, and contributing to the supervision, mentoring and development of junior practitioners. You will work both independently and as part of a team, with a strong focus on practical client outcomes, professional standards and access to justice.

About you

We are looking for a skilled and motivated lawyer with extensive post-admission experience, substantial advocacy and trial and/or appeal experience, strong negotiation skills, and the confidence to manage complex legal issues autonomously with sound judgment. You must have significant experience in superior court work across a range of criminal matter types, including sole conduct of matters proceeding to trial before a jury. Applicants must be able to confidently undertake complex superior court trial work without supervision and have experience in the sole conduct of a range of different indictable matters through to trial. You will communicate clearly with clients, colleagues and stakeholders, including people from diverse backgrounds and in challenging circumstances. You will also bring a genuine commitment to social justice, teamwork, continuous learning and delivering client-centred services that make a positive difference in the community.

About us and what we can offer you

We offer a strong team working environment, the satisfaction of adding value to the community, and a range of benefits in line with business requirements, which may include professional development opportunities, flexible working and leave arrangements, including opportunities to purchase leave. We offer a range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including access to Fitness Passport which provides a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness centre discounts available for employees and their families. Click here to learn more about the benefits we offer employees.

Legal Aid WA is an independent statutory authority funded by the State Government and Commonwealth Governments. We provide over 100,000 legal services to clients each year in the areas of criminal, family and civil law across Western Australia. Please visit www.legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out more about us. You can also keep up to date with our activities and achievements by following us on LinkedIn.

How to Apply

Applications are made online. In addition to the questions being asked in the online application, you should submit:

• A comprehensive CV (max. 5 pages) that showcases your talents and key achievements relevant to the role; and
• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant experience and demonstrating your ability to meet the selection criteria, paying particular attention to the bolded criteria in the JDF.

Qualifications and minimum experience required for the role will also be assessed by the panel at application stage.

To apply for this position you must have successfully completed an undergraduate Law degree and be admitted, or eligible for admission to practice in Western Australia, at the time of completion of this recruitment process.

Click the “Apply for Job” button at bottom of this page to submit your application. Applications are only accepted via www.jobs.wa.gov.au. Please allow enough time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

For technical difficulties while applying online, contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 and quote recruitment ID number 1058775.

• All such applications should have a lodged date and time generated automatically.
• Transmissions received after the closing date and time will not be accepted unless there is evidence of fault in the online system being down.

If you have any questions about the application process or do not have access to a computer with internet access, please contact RecruitmentAdmin@legalaid.wa.gov.au.

Further information

Download the attached Job Description Form to learn more about the role. We recommend you review our guide on applying for a job at Legal Aid WA, including eligibility, preparing your application and the selection process, prior to submitting your application. Alignment with Legal Aid’s values will also be considered in the panel’s assessment of candidates. Please take time to familiarise yourself with the role prior to applying.

If you would like to talk to someone about the job, please contact Andrew Robson, Managing Solicitor on Tel: (08) 9261 6404 or email andrew.robson@legalaid.wa.gov.au

For First Nations specific information regarding working at Legal Aid WA, including our First Nations Staff Network, please visit First Nations Employment. For First Nations culturally appropriate resources on making a job application visit Jobs and Skills WA.

Diversity & Inclusion

A commitment to fair and equitable treatment for all is at the very core of Legal Aid WA’s values. We recognise a diverse workforce is essential to delivering inclusive client centred services. Legal Aid WA welcomes applications from people of all ages, genders and backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and LGBTQIA+ members of the community.

Suitable Australian First Nations applicants may be given priority consideration over other applicants to achieve our vision of widening access to justice in a culturally safe and inclusive environment.

People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. If you require adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Janice Green on tel (08) 6373 5297 or email Janice.Green@legalaid.wa.gov.au

Pool conditions

As this is a pool, vacancies will be offered on a full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed-term basis. This selection process may also be used to fill other similar vacancies throughout our organisation that arise within the term of the pool. It is important to note that appointment to the pool is not a guarantee that you will be offered a term of employment.

Appointment to all positions at Legal Aid WA is subject to a satisfactory national criminal history check, integrity and conflict checks, and 100-point identification check.