About us
When you join the Department of Justice, you become part of a people-focused organization working hard to make our community a fairer and safer place to live.
The State Solicitor's Office is the longest standing legal office in Perth having been established 1838. Today the Office is highly regarded as a leading legal service provider offering a broad range of legal services to the West Australian State Government and Ministers, and to over 120 client departments, instrumentalities and statutory corporations.
Under the leadership of the State Solicitor, the Office:
- Provides legal advice across a diverse array of matters affecting Government
- Conducts litigation in Courts of all jurisdictions
- Conducts government commercial matters including negotiating minor and major economic and social infrastructure projects
- Provides representation as counsel in courts and tribunals of all jurisdictions
- Prepares a vast array of legal documents
- Works closely with Solicitor General of WA in relation to Constitutional matters
- Manages native title claims on behalf of the State
- The State Solicitor's Office also advises the Attorney General on legal matters, including those relating to law reform.
Centrally located in the Perth CBD, the State Solicitor's Office has a staff contingent of approximately 258, including 162 lawyers, 9 law graduates, 3 professional assistants and 84 administrative, research, paralegal and support staff.
About the role
Do you have a genuine interest in the law, particularly Government law?
Do you have strong research skills, and an ability to work autonomously as required?
The State Solicitor's Office is searching for law students or graduates to join our busy legal practice as professional legal research assistants.
These positions will provide applicants with a unique opportunity to work closely with the most senior legal officers within government, by providing legal research assistance to the Solicitor General, State Solicitor, State Counsel and Deputy State Solicitor (Advice, Policy and Public Law).
Assigned tasks may include:
- Drafting research memos concerning discrete legal issues;
- Writing or proof reading legal advices;
- Litigation tasks including drafting submissions, discovery and summarising opponent's submissions;
- Assisting with law reform papers and submissions to Ministers and public bodies;
- Attending Court;
- Attending meetings and conferences with clients and stakeholders.
The work is interesting, diverse and challenging and will provide an excellent basis for a successful career in law.
About you
Successful applicants will have a demonstrated interest in working at the State Solicitor's Office, and display developed research, analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills. They must be self-motivated, and able to work autonomously as required.
These applicants will be placed in a pool from which fixed term, full time appointments may be made, with the first appointments from this pool expected to commence in January 2021 on a two year contract.
It is anticipated that, following completion of their contract, Professional Assistants will apply for graduate employment with the State Solicitor's Office.
Eligibility
The State Solicitor's Office will accept applications for employment as a Law Graduate from the following groups:
- Penultimate year law students. These applicants must be prepared to complete their final year of study part time over the two year period.
- Final year law students.
- Legal graduates.
Please note that this recruitment process is open to law students and law graduates only. While we will accept applications from recent graduates who have been admitted to practice law; those who have begun their career in law (as a Law Graduate) or those who have practiced as a lawyer 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.
How to apply
Please ensure you review the attached Position Information Package and Level 3 Capability Profile 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:
- A cover letter of no more than three (3) pages discussing why you want to undertake a graduate position at the State Solicitor's Office. This should cover your:
- Demonstrated interest in the law and conventions relating to State government, its departments and instrumentalities;
- Proven ability to undertake legal research; and
- Proven ability to work autonomously and build productive relationships.
- A current comprehensive CV including the contact details of two referees;
- A copy of your most current academic transcript.
There is no need to nominate which position you are interested in, as all suitable applicants will be placed into the same pool. The State Solicitor's Office and the Solicitor General will then determine which applicants will be selected for all available roles.
All capabilities as listed in the 'Level 3 Capability Profile' will be assessed at some stage of the selection process, along with the following role specific criteria:
- Significant progress towards the completion of a Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) degree;
- Academic and intellectual ability;
- Proven ability to undertake legal research; and
- Demonstrated interest in the law and conventions relating to State government, its departments and instrumentalities.
Please ensure you 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.
Candidate Search
If required we may choose to supplement the field of applications by conducting a Candidate Search.
Equity and Diversity
People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department upholds a working environment that is free from discrimination in accordance with Equal Opportunities legislation.
Further Information
If you would like further information on this opportunity please contact Jenette Schoch, Workforce Coordinator on (08) 9264 1005 for a confidential discussion.
