Professional Assistant

Advance your career by joining one of the most diverse public sector organisations in WA.

About us

The Solicitor-General is the principal legal adviser to the Attorney General and, through the Attorney General, to the State Government and its agencies.  In addition, the Solicitor-General appears in court as counsel for the State and, when requested by the Attorney General, for agencies of the State and other bodies.

The first law officer of the State is the Attorney General, which is a political position; the second law officer of the State is the Solicitor-General which is an independent position.  There is an interconnection between the two roles, and the Attorney General can delegate functions to the Solicitor-General.

The office is an independent, statutory office created by the Solicitor-General Act 1969.  Centrally located in the Perth CBD, the Solicitor-General’s Chambers consists of the Solicitor-General, a Professional Assistant and an Office Administrator.

The Solicitor-General's Office works closely with the State Solicitor's Office in litigation and advice work to Government.

About the role

The Solicitor-General's Chambers is searching for a law student to join their busy legal practice as the Solicitor-General’s Professional Assistant.

The Solicitor-General’s Professional Assistant is responsible for assisting the Solicitor-General in High Court and other litigation and provides legal research and assistance to the Solicitor-General, including in constitutional law.

The position is a unique opportunity to work closely with the Solicitor-General, Jean Shaw SC.

Duties include:

• Attending the High Court, Supreme Court and other courts and tribunals.
• Researching case law, including in the area of Constitutional law.
• Directly assisting the drafting of pleadings, submissions and lists of authorities.
• Assisting in researching and drafting advice to the Attorney General and government on legal issues and the government's legislative program, including in the area of constitutional law.

The work is interesting, diverse and challenging, and will provide an excellent basis for a successful career in law.

Notable past Professional Assistants to the Solicitor-General include:

• Hon Peter Quinlan – Chief Justice of Western Australia
• Hon Janine Pritchard – Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal
• Hon Robert Mitchell – Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal
• Hon Jennifer Smith – Former Justice of the Supreme Court
• Hon Christine Wheeler AO KC – Former Justice of the Supreme Court

About you

The successful applicant will have a strong interest in constitutional law, and display developed research, analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills.  They must be self-motivated, and able to work in a small team and autonomously as required.

It is expected the successful applicant will commence in either December 2026 or January 2027 on a two-year full-time contract.

It is anticipated that, following completion of their contract, Professional Assistants will apply for graduate employment with the State Solicitor’s Office.

Why join the team?

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. We offer many different employment opportunities in locations around Western Australia. You will have a chance to make a real difference to your local communities and to the lives of those you work with.

Want to find out more about this role?

To find out more about this opportunity and how to apply for this position, follow the direct link below.

https://apply.jobs.wa.gov.au/page.php?pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=416054

Applications must be received before Friday, 18 September 2026 at 4:30pm.