The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for preparing and conducting criminal prosecutions in Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Matters prosecuted by the DPP and the OPP involve serious crimes or matters that are of significance to the fair and effective operation of the Victorian criminal justice system. The OPP consists of the Solicitor for Public Prosecutions and a staff of approximately 465 providing legal and corporate support to the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor and Crown Prosecutors in the exercise of their independent roles in the criminal justice system.

Senior Solicitor

Fixed Term and Ongoing Positions Available

The OPP has an exciting opportunity available for solicitors who have sound experience in the criminal jurisdictions of the County and Supreme Courts. It offers the opportunity to exercise previously acquired legal practice skills in the preparation and conduct of criminal litigation.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the preparation of large and complex matters for trial in the County and Supreme Courts of Victoria and instructing Counsel appearing for the Crown in those cases. They will also prepare matters for prosecution at committal stage. There may also be an opportunity to work on the most highly complex matters under the guidance of Principal Solicitors and Legal Prosecution Specialists.

The incumbent will be working in a dynamic environment, so must possess the ability to work in an agile manner, contributing to and embracing innovative solutions and ways of working.

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.

Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options are available.

About the Role:

• Prepare and instruct in large and complex matters, including major trials and taskforce investigations, and appear when required.
• Ensure that cases are competently, efficiently and expeditiously prepared, that suitable Counsel is briefed and that cases are properly presented before the Court to ensure the provision of an effective legal service.
• Assist in the informal and formal mentoring of junior staff.

As our ideal candidate you will have:

• Demonstrated ability to prepare and/or appear in large and complex criminal matters and perform legal research on complex issues within limited time constraints.

• Ability to mentor and influence junior staff in their professional development, including demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated high level interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with OPP staff, Crown Prosecutors, complainants, witnesses, police, counsel and members of the public.

The Office is committed to providing a safe working environment for staff, and may require employees to be fully vaccinated against preventable diseases such as, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other transmissible diseases based on Victorian Chief Health Officer's Directions as issued and updated from time to time.  Where relevant, proof of immunisation status may be required.

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 Wednesday 29^th of March 2023.

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.