Principal Solicitor

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for preparing and conducting criminal prosecutions in Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Matters prosecuted by the DPP and the OPP involve serious crimes or matters that are of significance to the fair and effective operation of the Victorian criminal justice system. The OPP consists of the Solicitor for Public Prosecutions and a staff of approximately 475 providing legal and corporate support to the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor and Crown Prosecutors in the exercise of their independent roles in the criminal justice system.
Job Details
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Department: Office of Public Prosecutions
Work Type: Ongoing - full time
Job Function: Legal
Classification: VPSG6.1
Work Location: Melbourne - CBD
Reference: VG/OPP504D
Closing Date: 13-Oct-2024
Salary Range: $134,593 - $157,355
Job Duration: Ongoing
Attachments: OPP504 Principal Solicitor PD June 2024.docx (Word, 235KB)


Contact: OPP Recruitment
recruit.info@opp.vic.gov.au

Position Details

Full Time, Ongoing

Join the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) as a Principal Solicitor in the Policy and Specialised Legal Division (PASL)!

Are you an experienced solicitor with a passion for tackling complex legal challenges? The OPP has an exciting ongoing opportunity for a dynamic and skilled legal professional to step into the role of Principal Solicitor within our PASL team.

About the Role

As a Principal Solicitor, you will take on a leading role in shaping and influencing legal practice and policy at the OPP. In this position, you will:

  • Provide expert advice on high-profile legal matters, including assessing international extradition requests and handling potential breaches of suppression orders.
  • Play a key role in identifying and responding to emerging legal and policy issues, offering solutions where precedent is limited.
  • Contribute to law reform by engaging in consultations with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Represent the OPP as an advocate in the County and Supreme Courts.
  • Act as a mentor, offering guidance, training, and support to OPP staff at all levels.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

  • Extensive knowledge of criminal law, evidence law, and procedure, with experience in managing highly complex cases.
  • A strategic mindset that allows you to identify emerging legal trends and offer high-level, practical advice on policy and legal issues.
  • Excellent advocacy skills and the ability to appear before higher courts confidently.
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership qualities, with a commitment to mentoring and developing junior legal staff.
  • A collaborative approach to working with teams and stakeholders across different levels and disciplines.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the criminal justice system while developing your own professional skills in a supportive and high-performing environment.

For further information, please refer to the attached Position Description.

 

Apply now

To apply, you will need to submit a resume, cover letter and complete the online questionnaire which can be found on the last page of the application process. This questionnaire will ask you to address some of the Key Selection Criteria which you must complete. Separate responses to the KSC outlined in the position description are not required.

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 13 October 2024.

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. If you require assistance with the recruitment process, or have accessibility requirements please contact recruit.info@opp.vic.gov.au

Persons considering applying for these positions should note that the recruitment process may be used to fill a commensurate position/s within 3 months of the completion of the recruitment without any further advertisement or interview. Please note this recruitment process, including interviews, will be conducted remotely.


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