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.

Key functions of the Office are to:

• provide legal advice to the Cabinet, the Attorney General of WA, Ministers and government departments and agencies
• draft legal documents for the Government and government clients
• represent the State of WA and government clients in a wide range of civil litigation matters
• provide commercial, conveyancing and other property related services
• manage native title claims on behalf of the State
• conduct prosecutions for client agencies with prosecutorial powers
• appear as counsel on behalf of the State in a wide range of State and Federal courts and tribunals.

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. 

About the role

The State Solicitor's Office offers excellent paid Vacation Clerkships each spring and summer for law students, giving you the opportunity to gain practical legal experience with a leading law office. As part of our well-structured program, Vacation Clerks can expect to undertake work in a range of our practice areas, including Advice, Policy and Public Law, Civil and Public and General Litigation, Native Title and State Lands, Commercial and Counsel, whilst supported by supervisors, buddies and the Head of the Junior Lawyer Program.

During your clerkship you will be allocated a broad range of tasks relating to current matters impacting the State of Western Australia. You will also be encouraged to get out of the office and view our solicitors in action, whether that be in Court or at client meetings.

We are looking to recruit Vacation Clerks for the following clerkship periods:

Spring 2026 (two weeks duration)

Group One: 9 November 2026 – 20 November 2026

Group Two: 23 November 2026 – 4 December 2026

Summer 2027 (two weeks duration)

Group One: 11 January 2027 – 22 January 2027

Group Two: 25 January 2027 – 5 February 2027 (9 days)

These clerkships are available to penultimate year law students currently completing their Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor in Law.

Offers for the State Solicitor's Office 2026/2027 Vacation Clerkship Program will be made from 9am on Friday, 11 September 2026.

About you

The State Solicitor’s Office seeks high‑calibre graduates who have achieved strong academic results and are motivated to pursue a career in public service. We look for applicants who appreciate that government legal practice differs from private client work and are genuinely interested in contributing to the public sector.

We value individuals who communicate effectively, are engaged and motivated, and demonstrate a strong willingness to learn. Successful applicants will also bring a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

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.

More information

If you would like further information regarding the position and/or vacancy please contact HR on (08) 9264 1888 or email ssohr@sso.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

How to apply

The Office does not hold interviews for Vacation Clerkships, and all selection will be based on the documents that you submit with your application.

Apply now by submitting:

1. A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages outlining why you want to undertake a vacation clerkship at the State Solicitor's Office;
2. A current comprehensive CV including the contact details of two referees;
3. A copy of your most current official Statement of Academic Record.

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 RAMS 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.

Pool Recruitment

This pool will be open for a period of 6 months from the day after the breach of standard claim period closes. Fixed term, full time appointments may be offered as vacancies arise.

The State Solicitor's Office uses recruitment pools to build a bank of talent for future opportunities. Applicants found suitable in this pool may be considered for subsequent, similar vacancies at similar locations with the State Solicitor's Office for the duration of the pool.