AddressThis recruitment process will result in identifying a Pool of suitable applicants whereby appointments of up to two (2) years may be offered.
Opportunities may result in a permanent appointment.
Currently, there are approximately two (2) fixed term contracts available for immediate filling.
Utilise your legal expertise to provide a specialist service on counsel matters for the State of Western Australia.
The Office
The State Solicitor's Office (the Office) is the Western Australian Government’s principal legal adviser. The Office enables government action, manages the State’s legal risk, and supports the Attorney General, as the First Law Officer, with authoritative advice on key legal issues. Our work delivers demonstrably better government decisions, strengthens the rule of law, and leads to greater community trust in the public sector. We are a centre of legal excellence committed to the highest standards of service and professionalism.
Legal Services provided by us, include the provision of legal advice; the preparation of legal documents; the conduct of litigation; and representation as counsel in courts and tribunals. The Office provides these services in a cost effective and timely way, consistent with maintaining legal excellence and integrity in the Government's legal dealings.
Legal Sections within the Office include Civil Litigation; Public & General Litigation; State Counsel; Advice, Policy & Public Law; Native Title & State Lands and Commercial.
The Role
The Office is searching for dynamic and experienced lawyers to join its busy legal practice. These lawyers will be placed in the Counsel Section in a team responsible for the conduct on behalf of the State of matters relating to the High Risk Serious Offenders Act 2020 (WA) and assisting with the preparation for, and implementation of, relevant aspects of the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 (WA).
We are looking for lawyers with counsel experience in relation to contested hearings before courts. Knowledge of the operation of either or both of the above mentioned Acts is desirable. The role includes the assessment of potential applications, provision of legal advice and conduct of applications, including regular appearances as counsel in contested applications in the Supreme Court.
Lawyers should have the demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Longer term opportunities exist for successful applicants to also engage in other counsel and litigation work within the Office.
This recruitment process is designed to identify a body of suitable lawyers at the following levels:
Assistant State Solicitor L4LG $151,758 - $178,994 per annum or pro rata plus super
Assistant State Solicitor L5LG $195,881 per annum or pro rata plus super
Senior Assistant State Solicitor L6LG $216,205 - $242,423 per annum pro rata plus super
The panel will assess all applications against suitability for vacancies at different levels. Offers of employment which are drawn from this recruitment pool will be for an up to two year fixed term contract, with the possibility at the conclusion for permanency depending on performance and business need.
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.
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace
The Office is 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.
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 *****@sso.wa.gov.au.
What is on offer?
- Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home arrangements and generous leave options for enhanced work life balance.
- Superannuation of 11%, increasing to 12% by 1 July 2025 with salary packaging options.
- Free access to a confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services.
More information
If you would like further information about this opportunity, please contact Fleur Allen on (08) 9264 6*** 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 (2) referees.
- All relevant academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate) and admission certificates.
- A statement of no more than two (2) pages telling us why you are interested in joining the Office and how your legal skills and experience will make you a good fit for the Office. Please specifically reference in your response:
- Your counsel experience in relation to contested hearings before courts or tribunals.
- Your knowledge and experience of criminal law and/or the operation of the High Risk Serious Offenders Act 2020 (WA) and/or Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 (WA) (note this is a desirable criteria).
Please note: during the selection process we will be assessing applicants against all the Job Related Requirements outlined in the JDF.
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 *****@sso.wa.gov.au.
Please note: The Office may conduct further search activities after the closing date, if required, to extend the field of applicants.
Pool Recruitment only
This pool will be open for a period of 12 (twelve) 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 Office for the duration of the pool; however, an appointment is not guaranteed.
To be eligible for appointment, applicants must be Australian citizens, or have permanent residency status, or hold an appropriate working visa covering the term of the appointment, in relation to fixed-term 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 that may be relevant to the position requirements.
This recruitment file may be shared with other agencies across the public sector upon request for consideration of similar appointments.
Attachments:
- JDF Assistant State Solicitor L4LG (generic) 12 Apr 2023.pdf
- JDF Assistant State Solicitor L5LG (generic) 12 Apr 2023.pdf
- JDF Senior Assistant State Solicitor L6LG (generic) 12 Apr 2023.pdf
- SSO Applicant Information Pack.pdf
