About the role:

The OPP is focused on strengthening the front end of practice, supporting earlier resolution where appropriate, and reducing pressure on the Trial Divisions by improving how work is allocated, reviewed and resolved.

This role leads defined workstreams within that reform program, from analysis and options development through to advice and implementation. It also carries a substantial PASL caseload, holding carriage of legal files, undertaking law reform consultations, and providing authoritative advice on sensitive and complex legal issues to internal stakeholders and external agencies. This legal work is intended to ground the reform work in operational reality.

The role reports to the Director, Strategy Delivery & Reform, and works closely with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), senior leaders across the organisation, and external justice sector agencies.

Full time, fixed term position till 30 April 2027. 

You will:

Reform strategy and design

• Lead reform workstreams from analysis and options development through to implementation.
• Conduct advanced analysis of how legal practice work is performed, drawing on workload, allocation and outcomes data to identify systemic issues and develop options for decision.
• Prepare authoritative briefings for the ELT with clear recommendations and solutions.
• Contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the reform program with the ELT.
• Manage delivery of the role's workstreams within the program plan, tracking decisions and resolving obstacles.

Legal practice and PASL

• Hold carriage of specialised legal files, exercising independent legal judgement on complex and sensitive matters.
• Provide authoritative written and oral advice to internal stakeholders and external agencies, including law reform consultations and specialist policy advice.
• Use frontline legal practice to pressure-test reform options against operational reality and refine recommendations before they reach decision-makers.

Stakeholder engagement and change

• Lead co-design and consultation with senior leaders, the ELT and staff in affected practice areas.
• Deliver change-management activities as reforms progress, including communicating changes that affect roles, workload and ways of working.

About you:

This role suits a candidate who combines legal practice experience with strategic advising or consulting experience.

• Admitted to the legal profession as an Australian Lawyer, with a current Victorian Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain one before commencement).
• Advanced knowledge of criminal law and the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrated experience providing senior advice to government, ministers or executives, and/or advisory work in a consulting capacity.
• Demonstrated experience leading reform or change initiatives in complex environments.
• Advanced analytical and evaluative capability, using data and evidence to translate complex problems into practical options and well-reasoned recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• Excellent written skills, including authoritative briefings, technical reports and strategic advice for senior executives and government stakeholders.
• Self-directed and accountable for organising own work, comfortable with ambiguity, competing priorities and evolving scope.

About Us:

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for conducting serious criminal prosecutions across Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Our team, consisting of over 475 skilled professionals, supports the work of the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor, and Crown Prosecutors. We strive to be a criminal justice system leader and a dynamic organisation, continually adapting to deliver effective outcomes for our people and the community.

At the heart of the criminal justice system are people – practitioners and the community we serve. Our vision is to lead in legal excellence, fostering an innovative, supportive environment with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence.

Apply Now:

Applications must contain a resume and cover letter.

You will be required to complete the online Key Selection Criteria questions located on the last page of the online application form. A separate document responding to the key selection criteria is not required.

Applications close on 11:59pm on Thursday, 1 October 2026.

In accordance with the VPS recruitment process all candidates are subject to complete a pre-employment misconduct screening declaration. Further information is available on the VPSC website:  https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/pre-employment-screening-misconduct-victorian-public-service/

The OPP is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.  People from all cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, or those who may experience disability related barriers in securing employment.