Position Vacant – Solicitor for Public Prosecutions
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW)
$356,160 per annum plus conveyance allowance of $17,955 per annum
The Attorney General is seeking applications from qualified persons for appointment as Solicitor for Public Prosecutions under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1986, for a fixed term that may be renewed.
This is one of the most senior statutory legal appointments in New South Wales, offering a unique opportunity to provide executive leadership across a major justice agency responsible for the conduct of criminal prosecutions throughout the State.
The successful applicant will oversee a large and complex legal practice comprising over 850 staff across metropolitan and regional offices, while contributing to the strategic direction of the criminal justice system in New South Wales.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Agency: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Employment Type: Statutory Appointment
Term: Fixed term appointment of seven ( years, with potential for renewal
About the ODPP
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions delivers an independent, fair and effective prosecution service on behalf of the people of New South Wales.
The Office acts in the public interest and works closely with the Courts, Police, the Judiciary, victims, witnesses and justice sector stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Agency website: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions NSW
The Role
Reporting directly to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Solicitor for Public Prosecutions is responsible for the strategic leadership, stewardship and overall management of the Solicitor’s Office.
This highly influential statutory officeholder leads the largest criminal law practice in Australia and plays a central role in shaping prosecution policy, legal strategy and organisational performance across New South Wales and more broadly.
The role requires the delivery of authoritative legal and policy advice to the Director and executive leadership across a broad range of complex and sensitive criminal matters, while ensuring the efficient and ethical conduct of prosecutions statewide.
Under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1986, the Solicitor’s principal statutory functions are to:
Act as solicitor for the Director in the exercise of the Director’s functions; and
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- Instruct Crown Prosecutors and other counsel on behalf of the Director.
Key Responsibilities
The Solicitor for Public Prosecutions will:
Lead, manage and inspire a workforce of over 850 legal and administrative staff across New South Wales.
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Provide executive leadership and strategic direction to the Solicitor’s Office.
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Drive organisational performance, service innovation and continuous improvement across prosecution services.
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Provide expert legal and policy advice to the Director on complex criminal law matters.
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Contribute to whole-of-agency governance through active participation on the Executive Board and Management Committee.
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Represent the Director and the ODPP at senior inter-agency, government and external forums.
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Foster productive relationships across the justice sector and broader government.
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Ensure sound governance, financial stewardship, staff wellbeing, workplace safety and risk management practices.
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- Lead strategic planning, workforce capability and organisational development initiatives.
The Successful Candidate
The successful candidate will be an outstanding senior legal practitioner and executive leader with:
Extensive experience in criminal law, prosecutions and legal practice management.
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Demonstrated capability leading large, complex and geographically dispersed professional workforces.
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Highly developed strategic, operational and organisational leadership skills.
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Exceptional judgement, integrity and decision-making capability.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide sound advice at very short notice on complex legal and operational issues.
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Strong stakeholder engagement and inter-agency collaboration skills.
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- A commitment to public service excellence, ethical leadership and the administration of justice.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must:
Hold legal qualifications and be eligible to hold a current NSW Practising Certificate.
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Be an Australian lawyer of at least five ( years’ standing.
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- Demonstrate substantial senior executive leadership experience in legal practice, government or the justice sector.
A Rare Leadership Opportunity
This appointment offers the opportunity to influence the future of criminal prosecutions in New South Wales while leading a highly respected public institution at the centre of the justice system.
The role will suit a distinguished legal leader with the vision, resilience and executive capability to lead a major statutory office in a dynamic and demanding environment.
Applications
Review the Role Description. Applications should include:
A current curriculum vitae
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A covering letter addressing the role requirements and leadership capabilities
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- Contact details for professional referees
Note: Probity checks will be conducted.
Applications close: 11.59pm AEST on Sunday, 12 July 2026.
If you would like to make further enquiries, contact the Director of Public Prosecutions via the EA to the Director of Public Prosecutions on (0 9285 8888.
Applications must be lodged electronically. Please go to jobs.odpp.nsw.gov.au and search job reference number 1542.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to support you during the recruitment process or if you experience technical difficulties when submitting your application, please contact Bronte Forster, Recruitment Business Partner on (0 8062 3516 or [email protected] and a response will be sent during business hours.