Who we are
Legal Aid WA is an independent statutory authority funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments.
Each year, Legal Aid WA delivers over 100,000 legal services across criminal, family and civil law, supporting access to justice for individuals and communities throughout Western Australia.
About the program
The Legal Aid WA Law Graduate Program is a comprehensive opportunity to begin your legal career in a supportive, purpose driven organisation.
The program is designed to develop your practical legal skills through structured training, supervised legal practice and exposure to meaningful client work. Graduates gain responsibility early, while being supported by experienced practitioners.
Graduate lawyers commence the program in early January and receive extensive training and professional support throughout their employment.
What we offer
Legal Aid WA provides:
- A supportive team environment
- Meaningful work that contributes to the community
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements
- Leave options, including purchased leave
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
Program highlights
The program includes:
Structured training and early practice
- Commences in early January
- Weekly training days and intensive criminal and family law workshops
- Supervised legal practice in a supportive team environment
- Exposure to real client work from the outset
Practical legal experience
Graduates are primarily placed in the Criminal Law Division, with opportunities to work in the Family Law Division. Work may include:
- Legal advice and discrete assistance
- Duty lawyer services
- Client interaction under supervision
- Representation in less complex legal matters
Practice is initially focused on criminal law, with opportunities to expand into family and civil law over time.
Career progression
- Opportunity to apply for inclusion in a Solicitor SCL1/2 Pool prior to 30 June 2027
- Pathway toward ongoing employment as a solicitor
- Ongoing mentoring and professional development
What we’re looking for in candidates
Legal Aid WA is seeking graduates who:
- have strong academic results in their law degree
- are motivated by social justice and public service
- demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
- can work effectively with diverse clients and stakeholders.
Application information
Applications for our 2027 program are open now and close Tuesday 2 June 2026 at 4:00 PM.
Visit www.legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out more about us.
Eligibility requirements
As at 1 January 2027, applicants must:
- have completed a law degree; and
- either:
- be enrolled in an approved Practical Legal Training (PLT) program (completion before 30 June 2027), or
- be eligible for admission, or
- be admitted with limited practical experience
Note: PLT is not funded for Perth based graduate positions.
Diversity and inclusion
Legal Aid WA is committed to fair and equitable treatment for all employees and recognises that a diverse workforce strengthens service delivery.
Applications are encouraged from people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People with disability
- LGBTQIA+ community members
Suitable Aboriginal applicants may be given priority consideration to support culturally safe and inclusive access to justice.
Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
Contact us
If you would like to talk to someone about the job, please contact:
Katy McDougall
(08) 9261 6404
katy.mcdougall@legalaid.wa.gov.au
For recruitment enquiries:
RecruitmentAdmin@legalaid.wa.gov.au
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