Principal Legal Officer

Are you an experienced legal professional with a passion for justice and a commitment to excellence? The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is seeking two highly skilled Principal Legal Officers to join our team at Crown Chambers. This is a unique opportunity to work on some of Queensland's most complex and high-profile criminal cases, including matters referred by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

About Us
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is a vital part of Queensland's justice system, representing the State in prosecuting criminal matters across courts such as the High Court of Australia, Supreme Court, District Court, and more. Our work addresses complex and sensitive legal matters, ensuring justice is upheld with professionalism and integrity.

About Your Opportunity
As a Principal Legal Officer, you will play a pivotal role in preparing and prosecuting serious criminal matters. Working closely with Consultant Crown Prosecutors, you will provide expert legal advice and support, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. This role also involves mentoring junior legal and administrative staff, contributing to the development of a skilled and effective team.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare complex matters referred for prosecution, including appeal submissions, in a professional and timely manner.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including defence counsel, solicitors, police officers, victims, and witnesses.
• Appear as an advocate in various courts, including:
• Prosecuting or defending appeals in the District Court.
• Representing the Director at bail applications, mentions, and call overs in the Magistrates Court and/or higher courts.
• Conducting committal hearings and summary hearings in the Magistrates Court.
• Provide legal support to Consultant Crown Prosecutors through research, analysis, and case preparation.
• Supervise and mentor junior legal staff and administrative support staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services.

To Excel In This Role, You Will Possess

• Strong legal acumen: Extensive experience in criminal law, with the ability to apply legal principles, draft legal documents, and provide expert legal advice.
• Advocacy skills: Proven ability to work effectively as an advocate in the Magistrates Court and/or higher courts.
• Stakeholder engagement: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage professionally and empathetically with victims, witnesses, and other stakeholders.
• Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach: Ability to identify and address the needs of victims of crime with empathy and respect for diversity and inclusion.
• Leadership and mentoring experience: Demonstrated ability to supervise and develop junior legal and administrative staff.
• Ethical and professional integrity: Comprehensive knowledge of legal ethics and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.

Mandatory Requirements

• You must be admitted to practice law in a State or Territory of Australia.
• You must be eligible to hold a Blue Card.

Why join us?
At the ODPP, we are committed to delivering justice with integrity, fairness, and respect. As a Principal Legal Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Queenslanders while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. We value diversity, inclusion, and cultural capability, and we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that reflects these principles.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/673630/25

Closing Date: Monday, 5th January 2026

Occupational group
Justice & Legal