Senior Solicitor

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/OPP/LP/1890087

Are you a seasoned solicitor with a passion for criminal law? We're seeking a Senior Solicitor to join our team in Melbourne. This is a chance to make a real impact on complex legal matters and mentor the next generation of legal professionals.

Senior Solicitor. Full time, ongoing position based. Applications close on 11:59pm Thursday 30 October 2025.

About the role

As a Senior Solicitor, you'll manage a significant caseload of County Court Appeals and Contravention matters. You'll be the lead in preparing and instructing counsel on important cases, including those with technical legal issues, lengthy hearings, and serious offending. Your expertise in legal research and statutory interpretation will be vital in providing clear, concise written advice to senior decision‑makers.

You will also play a crucial role in shaping our future by assisting in the supervision and training of junior solicitors and legal trainees. This is a role for a proactive and agile professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and is ready to embrace innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead complex litigation: Prepare and instruct on conviction appeals, sentence appeals, and contravention hearings in the County and Supreme Court.

- Court appearances: Represent the office in a variety of hearings, including mentions, bail applications, and contravention hearings.

- Legal expertise: Provide advice on intricate questions of law and statutory interpretation.

- Collaborate and mentor: Proactively assist colleagues with case preparation and provide formal and informal mentorship to junior staff.

- Innovate: Contribute to and champion new ways of working within a dynamic and agile legal setting.

Who We're Looking For

- Proven experience in criminal litigation.

- Extensive knowledge of criminal law, procedure, evidence, and sentencing, including the Children's Court and Road Safety Act.

- Exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with diverse stakeholders, from police and victims to crown prosecutors.

- Strong leadership abilities to manage a large, complex caseload and balance competing priorities under pressure.

- A passion for mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to a positive, values‑based team culture.

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 Thursday 30 October 2025.

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.

Applications close Friday 31 October 2025 at 11.59pm

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