Job opportunity

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced counsel to lead our State Counsel, Legal Section.

This position is being offered on a five (5) year contractual basis. Options for renewal exist, subject to satisfactory performance.

About the role

As State Counsel, you will be a central member of the Corporate Executive, shaping the performance and strategic direction of the State Solicitor's Office while upholding the highest standards of legal excellence. This role carries significant influence and responsibility, ensuring the delivery of independent, high‑quality and cost‑effective legal and dispute resolution services to the State of Western Australia.

You will represent the State in the most complex and consequential matters, appearing before superior and appellate courts including the Supreme Court of Western Australia, the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia, on behalf of government agencies, the Premier, Cabinet members and the Attorney General.

Beyond your courtroom advocacy, you will lead and inspire the Counsel section, strengthen the standard of advocacy across the State Solicitor’s Office, and play a vital role in maintaining strong and constructive relationships with the judiciary.

This is an opportunity to shape outcomes of statewide importance and contribute to the future of public sector advocacy.

About us

The State Solicitor's Office (the 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.

We are committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. We actively promote the employment of Aboriginal Australians, people with disability, youth, and other diversity groups. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.

Applicants with disability requiring adjustment or accessibility requirements at any stage of the selection process can contact SSOHR at ssohr@sso.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

What is on offer?

• A term of five (5) years based on a fixed term contract.
• A competitive remuneration package under the Salaries and Allowance Determination - Special Division and Prescribed Office Holders No.1 2025
• You are entitled to the same terms and conditions as contained in the Public Service Award 1992 and the Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024, excluding annual leave loading.
• A private lease car or allowance in lieu.
• Salary packaging is available.
• 12% Superannuation in addition to the salary amount outlined above.
• Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home arrangements.

Please note that to be eligible for appointment, applicants must be Australian citizens or have permanent residency status.

A current permanent WA Public Sector employee will elect to forego permanency to take up this position and will not be entitled to a right of return under section 58 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

More information

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Jo Coates, Director HR on (08) 9264 6477 for a confidential discussion.

How to apply

If you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity, apply now by submitting:

• A current comprehensive resume including the contact details of two referees.
• Copies of any relevant qualifications and proof of admission to practice.
• By referencing the job related requirements, please provide a statement of no more than three (3) pages providing examples to demonstrate:
• How you would approach the role of State Counsel.
• The experience, characteristics and personality traits which you possess that would enable you to excel in this leadership role.
• What you have achieved in your legal career that demonstrates an ability to effectively fulfill the role of State Counsel (citing specific and verifiable examples).

Note: during the selection process we will be assessing applicants against all the Job Related Requirements outlined in the JDF in context to the Leadership Expectations.

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.

Candidate Search

The Office may conduct further search activities after the closing date, if required, to extend the field of applicants.

Subsequent Vacancies

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, in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of the Commissioner's Instructions No. 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy and Commissioner’s Instructions No. 39: Interim Arrangements to Fill Public Sector Vacancies.

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 such as an integrity assessment that may be relevant to the position requirements.