 Country Lawyers Graduate Program
What is the Country Lawyers Graduate Program?The Country Lawyers Graduate Program is a joint initiative between the Law Society of Western Australia, Legal Aid WA, Community Legal Centres, the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services. The project, which is supported by the State and Commonwealth governments, is aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of lawyers in regional and remote areas by recruiting, developing and rotating junior solicitors throughout regional Western Australia. Recruitment to the program takes place through the normal selection process for Articled Clerks and provides a 4 year fast-track professional development opportunity. The program is administered by Legal Aid WA. Variety is the spice of life and as a lawyer in regional Western Australia you can expect to work across a broad cross section of law including family, civil and criminal. You could find yourself working on cases that cover a plethora of legal issues. You will assist clients from a range of backgrounds including indigenous clients and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. In any one day you might find yourself being a duty lawyer, assist in restraining order matters, providing legal advice on family and civil law matters and essentially assist with issues that are community problems. The opportunity to provide legal assistance on circuit throughout remote regions is an unforgettable learning experience which develops an appreciation of a community and family orientated approach to legal practice. The Country Lawyers Graduate Program provides a fantastic opportunity to create a broad and solid foundation to your legal career, providing a diverse range of work and life experience and a superb opportunity to explore a range of career paths. Return to Top
What does the Program offer me?Your Articles year will be spent at Legal Aid WA within our Perth and metropolitan offices, where you will participate in a first class junior solicitor professional development program and gain exposure to a range of different areas of law, with hands on client experience from day 1 on the job. The successful completion of the Articles Program will secure you a 3 year employment contract. As a restricted practitioner you will commence your regional adventure and during the following 3 years you'll enjoy a number of regional experiences as you rotate through various regional legal services, including the Aboriginal Legal Service, Community Legal Centres, Family Violence Prevention Legal Services and Legal Aid WA regional offices. Annual salary reviews mean that you are rewarded as your experience and skills develop. Commencing at $53,291 per annum, your salary will progressively increase to circa $75,000 in your fourth year. In addition there is a generous provision for salary packaging. Legal Aid will also pay your professional membership to the Law Society of Western Australia ensuring you keep in touch with a wide range of issues affecting the profession. Regional allowances are also part of the deal, including access to subsidised housing. During your adventure through regional WA, you will continue to have access to professional legal supervision and mentors who are highly skilled in their field and more than happy to provide you with all the support you need. At the same time, the exposure you are given to a diverse range of legal issues means that you are in a great position to develop the breadth of your legal skills at an accelerated pace. Return to Top
Life in a regional communityAs part of the Country Lawyers Graduate Program you will be placed in a regional community that currently does not have enough solicitors to meet the community's legal needs. The role will undoubtedly offer challenges and demands but you will be rewarded in many ways. This is an opportunity for you to make a real difference in a community that genuinely needs your help. For many people, you will represent their only chance to have their voice heard in the justice system. Regional Western Australia is filled with breathtaking scenery, strong community spirit and a relaxed lifestyle. The lifestyle options and opportunities on offer would be difficult to find elsewhere. Like to know more?If you would like to know more about the Country Lawyers Graduate Program, send an email to clgp@legalaid.wa.gov.au and a member of staff will be happy to answer your questions. What a great opportunity. How do I apply?Selection to the Country Lawyers Graduate Program occurs through the Law Society Recruitment Monitoring Scheme just like any other Articled Clerk appointment. In 2009, the following calendar will apply to the recruitment and selection process: | Applications Close: | Friday, 24th July 2009 | | Interviews Commence: | Monday, 17th August 2009 | | Offers (from 9am): | Wednesday, 9th September 2009
(Note: Offers are held open for three hours). |
If successful, you will begin the Country Lawyer Graduate Program in early 2010. Note: Your effort should be put into the content of your written application (see How to Apply). Your written application should consist of a cover letter (no more than 1 or 2 pages in length) outlining your particular interest in the Country Lawyers Graduate Program, your current resume and a copy of your Academic Record. Do not use elaborate bindings or presentation folders to make your application aesthetically pleasing, as these will be removed prior to all applications being copied and circulated to the selection panel. Submit completed applications by email to: positions@legalaid.wa.gov.au
or by post to:
Regina Tatchley
Human Resources Officer
Legal Aid Western Australia
GPO Box L916
PERTH WA 6842
Equal opportunity and diversity are highly valued and applicants from all walks of life are encouraged to apply. |