WA appoints first female Solicitor-General

She assumed the role on 5 January 2026, stepping into one of the state’s most senior legal positions.

This isn’t the first time Shaw has broken new ground in Western Australia’s legal sphere – she was also the first woman to serve as state counsel at the State Solicitor’s Office (SSO).

Over her 23-year tenure at the SSO, she held key roles, including adviser to the state counsel and senior assistant state counsel.

Throughout her career, Shaw has appeared as counsel on complex matters for the state across all levels of the courts.

Notably, she was involved in the High Court’s successful defence of constitutional challenges to the Iron Ore Processing (Mineralogy Pty Ltd) Agreement Amendment Act 2020.

Since 2023, Shaw has also served as the SSO’s nominated commissioner on the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia.

Attorney-General Dr Tony Buti hailed Shaw’s appointment as Solicitor-General of Western Australia, highlighting her distinguished tenure at the State Solicitor’s Office and her broad, high-level experience providing legal counsel to the government.

“I congratulate Jean Shaw SC on being appointed Solicitor-General of Western Australia,” Buti said.

“Ms Shaw performed with distinction at the State Solicitor’s Office, where she advised government on complex issues across a wide range of matters.

“Her work with the Premier, the Attorney General, other ministers, various departments, statutory authorities, and commissioners makes her eminently qualified to serve as Solicitor-General.

“The appointment of Ms Jean Shaw SC as the first woman to the role of Solicitor-General of Western Australia marks a significant milestone in the state’s legal history.

“Ms Shaw’s distinguished career and depth of expertise in public law ensure she is exceptionally well qualified to assume this important, constitutional role.”