Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Prosecution Officer (Lawyer) Level 3
Temporary, for a period of up to 12 months
$183,787. Package includes salary ($159,035 - $162,153 p.a.), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
Apply your legal expertise to deliver complex criminal prosecutions across NSW and mentor emerging junior solicitors.
About us
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecuting authority responsible for the prosecution of all serious indictable offences committed against the laws of New South Wales. We are an agency of over 1100 staff, working throughout NSW to service the main court centres. Our 10 offices have a mix of Crown Prosecutors, Solicitor Advocates, Solicitors and support staff.
Our vision is to be a dynamic prosecution service recognised for our excellence and leadership. We act with integrity, by behaving ethically and professionally.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace by providing ongoing support and opportunities for all staff.
The Role
The ODPP seeks talented solicitors with strong litigation backgrounds, proven advocacy skills, and extensive knowledge of criminal practice and procedure to join our team across NSW. As a Senior Solicitor, you will play a key role in preparing and conducting prosecutions on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions in NSW courts.
You will:
Prosecute and appear as advocate in complex and sensitive criminal matters in various NSW jurisdictions.
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Access briefs of evidence, certify charges, conduct case conferences, negotiate appropriate early guilty pleas, and provide high level legal advice.
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Instruct Counsel in trials.
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- Guide and mentor junior ODPP solicitors.
Opportunities may be available in Campbelltown, Dubbo, Gosford, Lismore, Newcastle, Parramatta, Penrith, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Sydney, and Sydney Regional Group (the Regional Group is a circuit role servicing courts in Broken Hill, Moree, Orange and Bathurst).
Please note that travel is required for roles based in circuit locations which include Sydney Regional Group, Lismore, Newcastle, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong offices.
Make the Move to Regional NSW!
Interested in making the move to Dubbo, Lismore, Newcastle or Wagga Wagga? Enjoy the lifestyle, career opportunities and sense of community that Regional NSW has to offer. You may be eligible to access The Welcome Experience – a free concierge-style support service designed to help essential workers and their families make a confident move to regional communities across NSW.
Check out The Welcome Experience and register today to see how they can support your move!
Key accountabilities:
Manage a diverse criminal practice prosecuting complex/sensitive matters before NSW courts in accordance with Prosecution Guidelines, Delegations, ODPP policies and procedures and the NSW Charter of Victim’s Rights.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all relevant law and procedures to provide high level legal advice to and on behalf of the DPP and provide leadership, guidance and mentoring to lawyers in the ODPP.
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Support the Managing Lawyer to improve systems and work practices to achieve the most cost-effective use of resources and the highest quality service delivery to achieve ODPP strategic goals.
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- Engage in effective communications with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective prosecutions.
About you
Demonstrated advocacy skills and extensive knowledge of criminal practice and procedure, including the ODPP Prosecution Guidelines.
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A degree or diploma in Law and admission as an Australian legal practitioner, and a current Practising Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW (or the ability to obtain one prior to commencement).
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Highly developed communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to build consensus, secure stakeholder commitment, and effectively resolve issues and conflicts.
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Proven leadership capability, with the ability to engage, motivate and develop the capability and potential of others.
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Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to deliver priority outcomes and adapt effectively in a dynamic environment.
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- For regional roles, a current driver’s licence or the ability to travel to and between locations.
Why Us
As the prosecuting authority of NSW, the ODPP offers unique career opportunities.
- Flexible work arrangements: Enjoy a 35-hour work week, access to flex leave, and hybrid working options with a minimum of three days in the office.
- Meaningful work: Be part of a team that delivers challenging, purpose-driven work that makes a real difference to the community.
- Exceptional working conditions: Benefit from a strong focus on wellbeing, including 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellbeing check-ins, special fitness passport rates, and tailored workplace adjustments.
- Growth and development: Access ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career progression.
- Inclusive culture: Join one or more of our five affinity groups—First Nations, Disability and Neurodiversity, People of Diverse Genders and Sexualities, Women, and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity—offering connection, advocacy, and a platform to share experiences.
Interviews
The interview process will include capability-based assessments which may require your time and presence on more than one day. Please note that assessment tasks may be provided 24 hours in advance of your scheduled interview.
How to Apply
Please review the Role Description and address the key accountabilities and focus capabilities when preparing your resume (maximum three pages) and cover letter (maximum two pages). Shortlisting will be based on merit and the information provided in response to the targeted questions.
Your cover letter must clearly and directly respond to the two targeted questions listed below. Each response must be included within the body of the cover letter and clearly identify which targeted question is being addressed (for example, by using headings or explicitly referencing “Targeted Question 1” and “Targeted Question 2”). These responses will form the basis of the assessment of your suitability for the role.
Q1 - The role requires extensive experience in capably managing a complex criminal law practice, regularly appearing as an advocate before the Local and District Courts, and the provision of high-level legal advice. How do you demonstrate this level of experience?
Q2 - Outline your demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience in a team environment.
The Office values authentic, original responses that demonstrate individual insight and personal contribution. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications independently to ensure they genuinely represent their capabilities and background. Acting with Integrity is a Signature Behaviour of the ODPP, requiring ethical and professional conduct and adherence to public service values. Skills, knowledge, and capability will be assessed and verified throughout the capability assessment process.
Please apply via jobs.odpp.nsw.gov.au, reference number 1551.
When completing the online application form, you will be asked to indicate your office location preferences, provide the contact details of two relevant referees (who can speak from a Supervisory perspective), and consent to a Criminal History Record Check.
Closing date: Tuesday 28 July 2026, 11:59 pm
Please note that a talent pool will be created to fill ongoing and temporary vacancies across all ODPP offices which may arise over the next 18 months.
Further Information:
Learn more about the ODPP here: About us | ODPP (nsw.gov.au) | Code of Conduct
To learn more about First Nations People and the ODPP: First Nations People and the ODPP | ODPP (nsw.gov.au).
Benefits of working with the ODPP: Benefits We Offer | ODPP (nsw.gov.au)
For general enquiries, technical difficulties, or if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to support you during the recruitment process, please contact Bronte Forster, Recruitment Business Partner at [email protected] and a response will be sent during business hours.
The ODPP values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential. The Office welcomes applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people identifying with diverse genders and sexualities, people with disability and other diversity groups. If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in the selection process, please indicate this in your application.
