Full time, fixed term opportunity until April 2027. Applications close on 11:59pm 15 March 2026

About the role:

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is seeking an experienced legal leader to join our Trial Division as a Managing Principal Solicitor. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the day-to-day operational management of a dedicated team of solicitors, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services in the prosecution of serious crime in Victoria.

Working closely with Trial Division Directors and Social Work Team Leaders, you will drive professional excellence, mentor staff, and champion early case resolution and victim engagement.

Key Responsibilities

As a Managing Principal Solicitor, your core focus will be:

• Operational Leadership: Manage a team of solicitors, overseeing day-to-day workloads, resource planning, and case preparation timeliness.
• Quality Assurance: Proactively monitor the standard of work and ensure compliance with practice and document management systems.
• Capability Development: Identify professional development opportunities, conduct performance management, and lead the induction and training of new staff.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work alongside Trial Division Directors and Social Workers to support early engagement with victims and witnesses.
• Professional Counsel: Provide high-level technical leadership and advice within the workgroup and represent the OPP in various internal and external forums.

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

1. Expertise in Criminal Law: Thorough working knowledge of criminal law processes and significant experience within the criminal jurisdiction.
2. Leadership & People Management: A proven ability to engage, motivate, and develop a diverse team of legal professionals.
3. Analytical & Conceptual Skills: High-level judgment and the ability to formulate innovative solutions to meet business needs.
4. Communication Excellence: Exceptional written and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide advice to senior management and diverse stakeholders.
5. Organisation & Planning: Highly developed skills in managing a complex legal practice environment.

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 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 Day 15 March 2026.

In accordance with the VPS recruitment process all candidates are required 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.