State Solicitor's Office Law Graduate Program

The State Solicitor’s Office is the Western Australian Government’s principal legal adviser. We provide high quality, independent legal services that enable government action, manage the state’s legal risk, and support the Attorney General in their role as First Law Officer through authoritative advice on significant legal issues.

Our work contributes to better government decision making, strengthens the rule of law, and builds community trust in the public sector. We are a centre of legal excellence, committed to the highest standards of service, integrity, and professionalism.

Legal sections within the Office include Civil Litigation, Public & General Litigation, State Counsel, Advice, Policy and Public Law, Native Title and State Lands, and Commercial.

The State Solicitor’s Office Law Graduate Program provides an excellent foundation for a career in public law and public service.

The program is full time and structured to provide graduates with practical experience across the full range of the Office’s practice areas. During your graduate year, you will rotate through each practice area, gaining exposure to diverse legal work and developing a strong understanding of government practice.

In 2027, all law graduates employed through this program will be offered a 2 year fixed term contract.

You will commence as a Level 4 Law Graduate for the first 12 months of employment and then transition to a Junior Solicitor (L2LG) for the remainder of the contract term, once eligible to practise law in Western Australia. Conversion to permanency may be offered following successful completion of the 2 year program.

As a Law Graduate at the State Solicitor's Office, you will:

• Learn the practice of law and its application to the operations of the Government of Western Australia, its departments and agencies
• Undertake work across all practice areas on a rotational basis including:
  • a wide range of litigation in courts and tribunals at all levels
  • appearing as counsel in courts and tribunals on suitable matters where admission to practice is not a pre‑condition
  • researching and preparing draft legal advice of varying complexity
  • assisting with the preparation and drafting of commercial documentation
• Liaise directly with government clients in the conduct and management of matters
• Develop an in‑depth understanding of how government departments and agencies operate
• Receive mentoring from experienced legal practitioners, with access to structured training and ongoing support
• Access flexible working arrangements, including working from home and generous leave options to support work‑life balance
• Receive 12% employer superannuation, with access to salary packaging options
• Enjoy free access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family, including counselling and psychological support
• Access a range of additional benefits, including cultural leave and fitness and wellbeing initiatives

As the State Solicitor’s Office is responsible for providing broad‑based, high‑quality legal services to the Government of Western Australia and its agencies, we are seeking graduates who:

• have achieved strong academic results in a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor
• demonstrate a genuine interest in public law and a commitment to public service
• communicate clearly and professionally
• are motivated, engaged, and eager to learn
• work effectively as part of a team while developing confidence and independence
• actively contribute to the positive, inclusive, and supportive culture of the Office.

Applications are open to law graduates in the following categories:

• Law 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 their first 12 months of employment as a Law Graduate (paid for by the State Solicitor’s Office).
• Law graduates who have completed the coursework component of an approved PLT course (such as 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, with no further external PLT required provided coursework is completed prior to commencement.
• Law graduates who have completed all requirements of an approved PLT course 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, with no additional external PLT required.

Please note: this recruitment process is open to law graduates only. Practising lawyers are not eligible to apply.

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact:

Emma Owen
Head of Junior Lawyer Program
(08) 9264 1188
e.owen@sso.wa.gov.au

For accessibility support or recruitment assistance, please contact:
ssohr@sso.wa.gov.au