Solicitor, Higher Court Appeals

Full Time, Fixed Term – 12 Months

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) has an opportunity for an individual to join our organisation as Solicitor within our Higher Court Appeals division.

A successful incumbent will primarily be responsible for the preparation of complex second, subsequent and conviction (out of time) and sentences imposed in the County and Supreme Courts and instructing Counsel appearing in those appeals. The incumbent will also be responsible for the preparation and conduct of moderate complex legal matters.

About the Role:

• Preparing and instructing in the most complex criminal appeals determined by the Court of Appeal and any further application or appeal to the High Court.
• Manage tasks and allocated files, including undertaking legal research, review and analysis of sentence and decisions, and providing advice as required.
• Ensuring that appeals and reviews are efficiently prepared and that counsel is briefed in a timely manner for appeals to be presented before the appellate courts.

As our ideal candidate you will have:

• Extensive knowledge of criminal law and its processes and considerable experience, including in the appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, the ability to liaise with and provide advice to relevant stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently, balancing competing priorities while producing high quality work within tight time constraints.

The position is Melbourne based; however occasional regional travel may be a requirement of the position. A vehicle and overnight accommodation are provided as required.

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

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.

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/

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 8 September 2024.

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.