Managing Principal Solicitor

Are you an experienced advocate with a passion for leadership and mentoring? We are seeking a Managing Principal Solicitor, Advocacy to provide operational leadership and support to our dedicated team of advocates in Melbourne, Victoria. This role is a unique opportunity to shape the professional development of your team while continuing to practice your advocacy skills in complex criminal matters.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Provide guidance and support to your team of advocates, managing workloads, leave, and absences to ensure smooth operations. You'll work closely with the Manager, Advocacy, to maintain high standards and processes across the group.
• Oversee quality assurance, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance management. You'll play a crucial role in developing your team's capabilities through formal and informal mentoring and training.
• As a senior advocate, you will prepare and appear in highly complex criminal matters, including committals, plea hearings, bail applications, and County Court appeals.
• Collaborate with specialist jurisdictions like the Koori Court and Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, representing the office and ensuring our standards are met.
• Provide high-level reporting and updates to the Manager, Advocacy, on current and emerging issues and challenges.

This position is based in Melbourne, but may require occasional travel to regional Victoria, with all travel expenses covered.

We're looking for a candidate with the following skills and experience:

• Extensive Advocacy Experience: A deep understanding of criminal law and its processes, with considerable experience as an advocate in the indictable criminal jurisdiction.
• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated ability to engage, motivate, and manage a diverse team of legal professionals.
• Mentorship Skills: A passion for mentoring and a track record of fostering continuous learning and professional development within a team.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong conceptual, analytical, and technology skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to meet business needs.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead a talented team of advocates, we encourage you to apply.

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, 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 Sunday 7 September 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:

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.