Legal Aid WA Regional Law Graduate Program

Make a real difference to the lives of people in our community.

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 Regional Law Graduate Program at Legal Aid WA is a 2 year program designed to support law graduates to build practical legal skills while making a meaningful difference in regional Western Australia.

The program combines structured training, supported legal practice and regional work placements, offering a strong foundation for a career in public sector and community focused law.

Graduate lawyers commence the program in early January and are provided with comprehensive training and professional support throughout the program.

Program highlights

The two‑year program includes:

Initial training (Perth‑based)

  • Commences in early January
  • Training based in Legal Aid WA’s Perth office
  • Approved PLT course organised and funded by Legal Aid WA (where required)
  • Professional development and supervised legal training

This initial training period generally takes 6 to 8 months, depending on admission requirements.

Regional placement

After admission and completion of the training period, graduates are relocated to one of Legal Aid WA’s regional offices:

  • Kununurra
  • Broome
  • South Hedland
  • Geraldton
  • Kalgoorlie
  • Bunbury
  • Albany

In a regional office, graduates may undertake work including:

  • Legal advice and discrete assistance
  • Duty lawyer services
  • Community legal education
  • Representation on less complex legal matters

Practice is initially focused on criminal law, with opportunities to expand into family and civil law during the program, depending on regional needs.

Support for regional relocation

Graduates relocating to regional offices may be eligible for a range of supports, which can include:

  • Assistance with relocation expenses
  • District allowance
  • Subsidised housing in some locations

These benefits are designed to support graduates transitioning to regional living and work.

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
  • are adaptable and willing to work in regional communities
  • can work effectively with diverse clients and stakeholders.

Application information

Applications for our 2027 program are open now and close Wednesday 7 May 2026 at 9:00 AM.

Visit www.legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out more about us.

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: 

Clair Halliday 
(08) 9261 6584  
clair.halliday@legalaid.wa.gov.au.

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