About us
When you join the Department of Justice, you become part of a people-focused organisation 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 the Solicitor General of WA in relation to Constitutional matters
- Manages native title claims and negotiations with native title parties 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 173 lawyers, 7 law graduates, 3 professional assistants and 98 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 and experiences that private practice can't provide you?
Do you want to get a firsthand look at the advocacy opportunities given to our law graduates and restricted practitioners?
The State Solicitor's Office offers excellent paid Vacation Clerkships each summer and winter for law students, giving you the opportunity to gain practical legal experience with a leading law office. As part of our well-structured and well mentored program, Vacation Clerks can expect to undertake work in a range of our practice areas, including Advice, Policy and Public Law, Litigation, Native Title and State Lands, Commercial and Counsel.
During your clerkship you will be allocated a broad range of tasks relating to current matters impacting the State of Western Australia. You will also be encouraged to get out of the office and view our solicitors in action, whether that be in Court or at client meetings.
We are looking to recruit Vacation Clerks for the following clerkship periods:
Summer 2021/2022 (two weeks duration)
Group One: 29 November 2021 – 10 December 2021
Group Two: 10 January 2022 – 21 January 2022
Group Three: 31 January 2022 – 11 February 2022
Winter 2022 (two weeks duration)
Group One: 13 June 2022 – 24 June 2022
Group Two: 27 June 2022 - 8 July 2022
Group Three: 11 July 2022 - 21 July 2022
These clerkships are available to penultimate and final year law students currently completing their Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor in Law.
Offers for the State Solicitor's Office 2021/2022 Vacation Clerkship Program will be made from 9am on Friday 17 September 2021.
About you
While the State Solicitor's Office looks for students with excellent results in their law degree, we are also looking for those who have a commitment to public service, and understand that working in government can be different to working for private clients in a private practice.
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 vacation clerkship at the State Solicitor's Office;
- A current comprehensive CV including the contact details of two referees;
- A copy of your most current academic transcript.
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.
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.
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.