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.

Solicitor – County Court Appeals and Contraventions

(Multiple Fixed Term Positions Available – Up to 12 Months)

The OPP has an exciting opportunity for solicitors who have a strong interest in the criminal jurisdictions of County Court Appeals and Contraventions. It offers the opportunity to exercise previously acquired legal practice skills in the preparation and conduct of appeals and contravention hearings.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the preparation of moderately complex appeals from convictions and sentences imposed in the Children's and Magistrates' Courts, and contravention hearings arising from Community Correction Orders (CCOs) imposed in indictable matter matters as well as CCOs imposed in County Court Appeal matters.

The incumbent will work in a dynamic environment, with changing priorities and should possess the ability to work in an agile manner, contributing to and embracing innovative solutions and ways of working.

Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options are available.

About the Role:

- Ensure that appeals and Contraventions are competently, efficiently and expeditiously prepared, that counsel is briefed in a timely manner, and that appeals and contraventions are properly presented before the courts.

- Instruct Counsel and appear in appeal and contravention hearings as required, including volunteering to appear in matters at short notice, such as executed warrants, appeals, contravention hearings, Directions Hearings and mentions.

- Provide mentoring, training and assistance to junior solicitors, legal trainees and seasonal clerks, as required.

As our ideal candidate you will have:

- A thorough knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, evidence law and sentencing law, appeal processes and experience in performing legal research on moderately complex issues.

- High level interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with relevant stakeholder such as OPP staff, Crown Prosecutors, complainants, witnesses, police, counsel and members of the public.

- Demonstrated proactive and practical approach to problem solving and criminal litigation preparation.

For more 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 the Key Selection Criteria.

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 Tuesday21March 2023