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 281, including 174 lawyers, 7 law graduates, 3 professional assistants and 97 administrative, research, paralegal and support staff.
About the role
Do you have a genuine interest in the law, particularly Government law?
Are you looking for opportunities that private practice can't provide you?
The State Solicitor's Office Law Graduate Program is designed to provide an excellent foundation for a career in law with the State Solicitor's Office. Law Graduates will gain practical experience in the full range of practice areas within the State Solicitor's Office, by rotating through each of these practice areas in their graduate year.
In 2022 all law graduates employed in this program will be offered a one year contract as a Law Graduate. Following completion of the program, they can reasonably expect (subject to performance) a further two one year contracts as a Solicitor. Permanency will also be considered in due course.
Law Graduates, for their first year of employment, will receive remuneration at Level 4, $80,452 per annum (as of 13 June 2020). Remuneration for the second year of the program will be that payable to a Solicitor (L2LG), commencing at $95,548 (as of 13 June 2020).
Offers for the State Solicitor's Office 2022 Law Graduate Program will be made from 9am on Friday 23 July 2021.
About you
While the State Solicitor's Office looks for graduates with excellent results in their law degrees, we also want to employ people who have a commitment to public service, and understand that working in government can be different to working for private clients in private practice. You should be able to work well with others, and at the same time be able to work independently when required.
Eligibility to apply
The State Solicitor's Office will accept applications for employment as a Law Graduate from:
- Law graduates who have not completed the coursework component of an approved practical legal training course. These graduates will be required to complete a practical legal training course during their 12 month legal traineeship (paid for by the State Solicitor's Office). At the conclusion of the traineeship, the State Solicitor's Office will support the graduate's admission to practice and, subject to performance, transition them to a 12 month contract of employment as a Solicitor.
- Law graduates who have completed the coursework component of an approved practical legal training course (such as that provided by the College of Law) but have not been admitted to practice law. These graduates will still undertake a 12 month legal traineeship, with the same level of remuneration as the graduates in 1 above, but will not have to undertake further external practical legal training provided the approved course work is completed prior to their commencement. At the conclusion of the traineeship, the State Solicitor's Office will support the graduate's admission to practice and, subject to performance, transition them to a 12 month contract of employment as a Solicitor.
- Law graduates who have completed the requirements of an approved practical legal training course (such as that provided by the College of Law) and have already been admitted to practice law but have not yet practiced law. These graduates will still undertake a 12 month legal traineeship, with the same level of remuneration as the graduates in 1 and 2 above, but will not have to undertake further external practical legal training. At the conclusion of the traineeship, subject to performance, these graduates will transition to a 12 month contract of employment as a Solicitor.
PLEASE NOTE that this recruitment process is open to law graduates only. 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.
How to apply
Please ensure you review the attached 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:
- 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; and
- What makes you well suited to being a law graduate at the State Solicitor's Office.
- A current comprehensive CV, including the contact details of two referees; and
- A copy of your most current Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor academic transcript.
All job related requirements will be assessed at a later stage in the recruitment process.
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.
Pool Recruitment
This pool will be open for a period of 12 months from the day after the breach of standard claim period closes. Fixed term, full time appointments may be offered as vacancies arise, however an appointment is not guaranteed.
The Department of Justice 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 Department of Justice for the duration of the pool.
Candidate Search
If required, we may choose to supplement the field of applications by conducting a Candidate Search.
Equity and Diversity
The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce as a part of 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.
Further Information
If you would like further information regarding the position and/or vacancy please contact Jenette Schoch, Workforce Coordinator on (08) 9264 1005 for a confidential discussion.
