WHERE TALENT MEETS PURPOSE
About the role
The State Solicitor's Office Law Graduate Program is designed to provide an excellent foundation for a career in the law. 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 2027 all law graduates employed in this program will be offered a two year contract.
You will commence as a level 4 Law Graduate for the first 12 months of employment, and then transition to a Solicitor (L2LG) for the remaining contract term (once eligible to practice law in Western Australia). Following completion of the two-year contract, conversion to permanency may be offered.
If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Emma Owen, Head of Junior Lawyer Program on (08) 9264 1188 or email e.owen@sso.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.
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.
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 you
We seek high‑calibre graduates who have achieved excellent academic results in their law degree and who are motivated by a genuine and demonstrated interest in public law and public service.
We value graduates who are committed to legal excellence, who communicate effectively, are motivated, engaged, and keen to learn, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also developing confidence and independence in their work.
Just as importantly, we are looking for graduates who actively contribute to the positive, inclusive, and supportive culture that defines the SSO.
Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of these positions. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.
Eligibility to Apply
The State Solicitor's Office will accept applications for employment as a Law Graduate from the following categories of candidates:
- Graduates who have not completed the coursework component of an approved practical legal training (PLT) course. These graduates will be required to complete an approved PLT course during the first 12 months of their employment as a Law Graduate (paid for by the State Solicitor's Office).
- Graduates who have completed the coursework component of an approved PLT course (such as that provided by the College of Law) but have not yet been admitted to legal practice. These graduates will undertake 12 months as a Law Graduate, on the same terms and level of remuneration as those in category 1. Provided the approved PLT coursework is completed prior to commencement, no further external PLT will be required.
- Graduates who have completed all requirements of an approved PLT course (such as that provided by the College of Law) and have been admitted to legal practice, but have not yet practised law. These graduates will also undertake 12 months of employment as a Law Graduate on the same terms and level of remuneration as those in categories 1 and 2, and will not be required to undertake further external PLT.
PLEASE NOTE that this recruitment process is open to law graduates only. We will accept applications from graduates who have been admitted to legal practice, however practising lawyers will not be eligible to apply.
How to apply
If you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity, apply now by submitting:
- A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages, discussing:
- Why you want to work in the public sector and undertake a graduate position at the State Solicitor's Office; and
- What values, skills and strengths will you bring to 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.
Note: during the selection process we'll be assessing applicants against all the qualifications outlined in the JDF.
Please 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.
Employee Benefits
As an employee of the State Solicitor's Office, you can enjoy the following:
- Generous leave entitlements, including 3 extra public service holidays per year.
- Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff.
- Access to a free Employee Assistance Program.
- Salary packaging is available.
- 12% Superannuation
- Discounted Private Health Insurance with eligible providers.
- Access to a fitness passport - use any eligible gym, Australia wide!
Other important information
Support
If you have access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate at any stage of the selection process, please contact SSOHR at ssohr@sso.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.
Pool Recruitment only
This pool will be open for a period of 6 months from the day after the breach of standard claim period closes. We use our recruitment pools to build a bank of talent for future opportunities. Applicants found suitable in this pool, may be considered for subsequent, similar vacancies with the State Solicitor's Office for the duration of the pool; however, an appointment is not guaranteed.
Attachments:
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Applicant Information Pack.pdf
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JDF - Law Graduate L4 (Generic) April 25.pdf
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Section 51 Guide for Applicants (new).pdf
