Senior Solicitor

Company description:

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Job description:

Prosecution Officer (Lawyer) Level 3

Temporary, for a period of up to 12 months

$178,434 Package includes salary ($154,403- $157,430 p.a.), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

About us

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecuting authority responsible for the prosecution of all serious indictable offences committed against the laws of NSW.

Our vision is to be a dynamic prosecution service recognised for its excellence and leadership. We act with integrity, by behaving ethically and professionally.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace by providing ongoing support and opportunities for all staff.

About the role

The ODPP is seeking talented solicitors with a strong litigation background, proven advocacy skills, and extensive knowledge of criminal practice and procedure to join our team across NSW. With offices located in Campbelltown, Dubbo, Gosford, Lismore, Newcastle, Parramatta, Penrith, Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact in communities across the state.

As a Senior Solicitor, you will play a key role in preparing and conducting prosecutions on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions in NSW courts.

As a Senior Solicitor you will:

• Prosecute and appear as advocate in complex and sensitive criminal matters in various NSW jurisdictions.
• Access briefs of evidence, certify charges, conduct case conferences, negotiate appropriate early guilty pleas, and provide high level legal advice.
• Instruct Counsel in trials.
• Guide and mentor junior ODPP solicitors.

About you

• Proven advocacy skills and extensive knowledge of criminal practice and procedure.
• Hold a degree or diploma in law and admission as an Australian legal practitioner.
• Have obtained a Practising Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW prior to commencing.
• Have the ability to communicate effectively, influence and negotiate in order to gain consensus and commitment from others and resolve issues and conflicts.
• Have the proven ability to engage and motivate staff and develop capability and potential in others.
• Have the ability to plan and deliver priority outcomes, while adapting to changing circumstances.
• Have a current driver's licence (if applying for a regional office role).

Why choose the ODPP

As the prosecuting authority of NSW, the ODPP offers unique career opportunities. You will:

• Enjoy flexible work practices, 35-hour work week, access to flex leave, and hybrid ways of working (minimum 3 days in the office).
• Undertake challenging work that makes a difference to the community.
• Have excellent working conditions with a strong focus on staff wellbeing, health and safety (including access to 24/7 EAP services, a wellbeing check program, access to special fitness passport rates, and workplace adjustments).
• Have access to training and development opportunities.
• Have the opportunity to join five affinity groups including First Nations, Disability and Neurodiversity, People of Diverse Genders and Sexualities, Women, and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. These groups foster inclusion by providing a network for social connection, support, advocacy, and a platform to share experiences and stories.

Interviews

The interview process will include capability-based assessments which may require your time or attendance on more than one day. Please note that assessment tasks may be provided 24 hours in advance of your scheduled interview.

How to Apply

Please read the Role Description and address the key accountabilities and focus capabilities when preparing your resume [maximum three pages] and cover letter [maximum two pages]. You are required to demonstrate your suitability and claim for the role by addressing the following two targeted questions within the body of your cover letter:

Q1 - The role requires extensive experience in capably managing a complex criminal law practice, regularly appearing as an advocate before the Local and District Courts, and the provision of high-level legal advice. How do you demonstrate this level of experience?

Q2 - Outline your demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience in a team environment.

Please apply via , reference number 1399.

When completing the online application form, you will be asked to indicate your office location preferences, provide the contact details of two relevant referees (who can speak from a Supervisory perspective), and consent to a Criminal History Record Check.

Closing date: Sunday 26 October (11:59pm)

Please note that a talent pool will be created to fill ongoing and temporary vacancies across all ODPP offices which may arise over the next 18 months.

Further Information

Learn more about the ODPP here: About us | ODPP ) Code of Conduct

To learn more about First Nations People and the ODPP: First Nations People and the ODPP | ODPP ). The ODPP is committed to improving the experiences of First Nations people in the criminal justice system.

Benefits of working with the ODPP: Benefits We Offer | ODPP )

Enquiries

For general enquiries or to request reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Kylie Stephens, Recruitment Business Partner at or

If you experience technical difficulties when submitting your application, please email (responses will be provided during business hours).

The ODPP values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential. The Office welcomes applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people identifying with diverse genders and sexualities, people with disability and other diversity groups. If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in the selection process, please indicate this in your application.