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 450 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, Geelong (Ongoing – Full Time, 2 positions)

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) has ongoing opportunities to join our Geelong office as a Senior Solicitor within our Trial Division.

These positions are designed to attract solicitors who have sound experience in the criminal jurisdictions of the County and Supreme Courts and offers the opportunity for the exercise of previously acquired legal practice skills in the preparation and conduct of criminal litigation.

Both roles are based at Geelong, with some regional travel required.  The Geelong office at the OPP is located at 60-62 Brougham Street Geelong.

As a Senior Solicitor your duties will include:

• Preparation and instruction of 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.
• Appear as Solicitor Advocate in hearings as required.

As our ideal candidate you will have:

• Extensive knowledge of Criminal Law and Procedure and the Law of Evidence as well as other relevant legislation.
• Ability to mentor and influence junior staff in their professional development, including demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take a proactive role in the settlement of matters where appropriate.

For further information, please refer to the attached Position Description.

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 Sunday 21 August 2022

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.