• LA24608
• PSCA 2022 Specified Calling Level 1 or 2, up to $112,645 gross per annum + super + benefits
• Permanent - Full Time

Join our dynamic East Kimberley team and take the opportunity to channel your passion to make a real difference.

Working for Legal Aid WA means making a real difference to the lives of legally disadvantaged people in our community. The opportunity to provide legal assistance in a regional setting is an unforgettable learning experience, which develops an appreciation of a community approach to legal practice.

About the role

The Legal Aid WA East Kimberley team are based in Kununurra and provide legal advice, representation and assistance to clients living in the towns and communities across the East Kimberley. Our lawyers travel on circuit to communities as far and remote as Kalumburu and Balgo. We also travel regularly to the towns of Wyndham and Halls Creek. We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and enthusiastic solicitor to join our busy team.

The role has a particular emphasis on criminal law duty lawyer services and legal advice services, as well as representation in Children’s Court and Magistrates Court trials. There will also be opportunities to provide legal advice and representation in family law, protection and care, restraining order matters and appear in the District Court.

About you

The ideal candidate would have post-admission experience (preferably in criminal law, but not essential), an interest in working in remote locations with Aboriginal communities, and an interest in holistic practices related to prevention, education and awareness.

You will be a natural team player and must be available to undertake circuit work which involves regular travel, including overnight stays of up to 3 days. You must have a current WA driver’s licence and feel comfortable driving on regional roads.

If you are applying from outside of the East Kimberley, you must be available to relocate to Kununurra.

About us and what we can offer you

We offer a strong team working environment, the satisfaction of adding value to the community, and a range of benefits in line with business requirements, which may include professional development opportunities, flexible working and leave arrangements, including opportunities to purchase leave, and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. Click here to learn more about the benefits we offer employees.

Legal Aid WA is an independent statutory authority funded by the State Government and Commonwealth Governments. We provide over 100,000 legal services to clients each year in the areas of criminal, family and civil law across Western Australia.

Please visit legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out more about us. 

How to Apply

Applications are made online. In addition to the questions being asked in the online application, you should submit:

• A comprehensive CV (max. 5 pages) that showcases your talents and key achievements relevant to the role; and
• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant experience and demonstrating your ability to meet the selection criteria, paying particular attention to the criteria in bold text in the JDF
  (tip - your written communication skills will also be assessed so be sensible with font and margin sizes).

Qualifications and minimum experience required for the role will also be assessed by the panel at application stage. 

NB: Interviews will take place the week commencing 9 December 2024.

To apply for this position you must have successfully completed an undergraduate Law degree and be admitted, or eligible for admission to practice in Western Australia, at the time of completion of this recruitment process.

Click the “Apply Now” button at bottom of this page to submit your application.  

Applications are only accepted via this link.

Please allow enough time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

For technical difficulties while applying online, contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 and quote recruitment ID number 930665. If you have any questions about the application process or do not have access to a computer with internet access, please contact [email protected].

Further information

Download the attached Job Description Form to learn more about the role. We recommend you review our guide on applying for a job at Legal Aid WA, including eligibility, preparing your application and the selection process, prior to submitting your application. Alignment with Legal Aid’s values will also be considered in the panel’s assessment of candidates.  Please take time to familiarise yourself with the role prior to applying.

If you would like to talk to someone about the job, please contact Leanne Wykes, Solicitor-in-Charge Kununurra Office, (08) 9166 5800 or [email protected], using the subject line: Solicitor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For First Nations specific information regarding working at Legal Aid WA, including our First Nations Staff Network, please visit First Nations Employment.  For First Nations culturally appropriate resources on making a job application visit Jobs and Skills WA.

Diversity & Inclusion

A commitment to fair and equitable treatment for all is at the very core of Legal Aid WA’s values. We recognise a diverse workforce is essential to delivering inclusive client centred services. Legal Aid WA welcomes applications from people of all ages, genders and backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and LGBTQIA+ members of the community. 

Suitable Australian First Nations applicants may be given priority consideration over other applicants to achieve our vision of widening access to justice in a culturally safe and inclusive environment.

People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.  If you require adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Joelle Durant, Manager Human Resources on (08) 9261 6219 or email [email protected].

Other Conditions

This selection process may be used to fill other similar Legal Aid WA vacancies, in addition to this vacancy, for up to twelve (12) months from the completion date of the selection process.  The panel may also search for further candidates beyond the closing date.

Appointment to all positions at Legal Aid WA is subject to a satisfactory national criminal history check, integrity and conflict checks, and 100-point identification check.

A position description is attached.