About us
The Solicitor-General is the principal legal adviser to the Attorney General and, through the Attorney General, to Government and its agencies. In addition, the Solicitor-General appears in court as counsel for the State and, when requested by the Attorney General, for agencies of the State and other bodies.
The first law officer of the State is the Attorney General, which is a political position; the second law officer of the State is the Solicitor-General which is an independent position. There is an interconnection between the two roles, and the Attorney General can delegate functions to the Solicitor-General.
The office is an independent, statutory office created by the Solicitor General Act of 1969. Centrally located in the Perth CBD, the Solicitor-General's Chambers consists of the Solicitor-General, a Professional Assistant and an Office Administrator.
The Solicitor-General’s office works closely with the State Solicitor’s Office in litigation and advice work to Government.
About the role
The Solicitor-General's Chambers is searching for a law student to join their busy legal practice as professional legal research assistant.
The Solicitor-General’s Professional Assistant is responsible for assisting the Solicitor-General in High Court litigation, and provides legal research and assistance to the Solicitor-General, primarily in constitutional law.
This position is a unique opportunity to work closely with the Solicitor-General.
Duties include:
- Attending the High Court, Supreme Court and other courts and tribunals.
- Researching case law, primarily in the area of constitutional law.
- Directly assisting the drafting of pleadings, submissions and lists of authorities.
- Assisting in researching and drafting advice to the Attorney General and government on legal issues and the government's legislative program, primarily in the area of constitutional law.
The work is interesting, diverse and challenging, and will provide an excellent basis for a successful career in law.
Notable past Professional Assistants to the Solicitor-General include:
- Hon Peter Quinlan – Chief Justice of Western Australia
- Hon Janine Pritchard – Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal
- Hon Robert Mitchell – Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal
- Hon Jennifer Smith – Justice of the Supreme Court
- Hon Christine Wheeler AO QC – Former Justice of the Supreme Court
About you
The successful applicant will have a strong interest in constitutional law, and display developed research, analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills. They must be self-motivated, and able to work in a small team and autonomously as required.
It is expected the successful applicant will commence in January 2023 on a two year full time contract.
It is anticipated that, following completion of their contract, Professional Assistants will apply for graduate employment with the State Solicitor's Office.
Eligibility to Apply
Applications will be accepted from:
- Penultimate year law students.
These applicants must be prepared to complete their final year of study part time over the two year period. Paid study leave will be provided to attend lectures, tutorials and exams.
- Final year law students.
- Legal graduates.
Please note that while this recruitment process is open to law graduates, applications from law students are preferred. Further, 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
We require you to submit:
- A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages discussing why you want to undertake a Professional Assistant position at the Solicitor-General's Chambers. This should cover your:
- Demonstrated interest in constitutional law and conventions relating to the 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; and
- A copy of your most current academic transcript.
All remaining 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.
Equity and Diversity
The Solicitor-General's Chambers 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.
Subsequent Vacancies
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies with the Solicitor-General's Chambers for a period of six (6) months, in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of the Commissioner's Instructions No. 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.
Further Information
If you would like further information regarding the position and/or vacancy please contact Brianna Marszal, Workforce Coordinator on (08) 9264 1883 for a confidential discussion.
