Contribute to priority legislative reform initiatives and provide clear, practical legal advice  

About the role

The State Solicitor’s Office (the Office) is seeking capable and motivated lawyers to join our busy Advice, Policy and Public Law (APPL) section. We are looking for lawyers across a range of levels, who have experience advising on complex public law matters and legislative reform projects, or who are looking to further develop their skills in these areas.

In this role, you will provide high-level legal advice on a wide variety of matters across government and support legislative reform. The APPL team plays a central role in advising on legislation and supporting the development and progression of Bills through Parliament. As part of this work, you will contribute to complex and often time‑critical reforms, working closely with agencies and central government stakeholders.

You will also advise on a broad range of legal matters, including administrative law, statutory interpretation, and constitutional law. The role requires carefully considering requests for legal advice, identifying and applying the relevant legal principles, providing practical advice and communicating your advice clearly.

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

• Solicitor 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.

We have a current opening for fixed term positions that we are keen to fill immediately. 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 for fixed term opportunities, with a potential for permanency, subject to the project securing ongoing funding.

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact either:

• Jessica Evans, Deputy State Solicitor – Advice, Policy and Public Law via email j.evans@sso.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9264 9988; or
• Julian Misso, Adviser – Advice, Policy and Public Law via email j.misso@sso.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9264 9640.

About us

The State Solicitor's 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 in providing written legal advice, that is practical and easy to understand.
• High degree of legal ability and knowledge in advising on matters of legal and factual complexity, ideally in public law (including administrative law, statutory interpretation, and constitutional law) or on legislative reform, with a very high degree of legal ability and knowledge and more significant experience required for the Senior Assistant State Solicitor level.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and, as appropriate, provide guidance to junior lawyers
• Ability to build productive relationships with external stakeholders and clients.

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.

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 relative to the position.
• A covering letter of no more than three (3) pages addressing the criteria as outlined under "About you"
• Copies of any relevant qualifications and academic transcripts of university qualifications.

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.

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.