Description
Principal Solicitor. Full time, ongoing position. Applications close on 11:59pm Sunday 4 January 2026.
About the role:
This senior role requires a practitioner of exceptional capability and judgment to lead the preparation and conduct of the state's most significant and complex criminal matters, ensuring effective and ethical representation in all jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court.
As a Principal Solicitor in the Trial Divisions, you will be primarily responsible for directing the preparation, instruction, and presentation of the most highly complex cases, major trials, and taskforce investigations. A critical function of the role involves identifying, negotiating, and pursuing opportunities for matter resolution in strict alignment with DPP policy, which includes appearing as a solicitor advocate in key hearings as required by the OPP Advocacy Competency Framework. Furthermore, you will proactively identify and respond to emerging legal issues, taking the initiative to initiate policy development, and provide high-level, authoritative advice to the DPP, OPP Executive, and Crown Prosecutors.
Key accountabilities include:
- Providing formal and informal guidance, training, and strategic mentorship to staff within the Trial Division, contributing significantly to professional development and competency across the office.
- Ensuring sophisticated, proactive engagement with victims and witnesses, meeting individual justice needs in compliance with the Victims Charter Act 2006 for matters of high complexity and sensitivity.
- Championing innovative and agile solutions and ways of working to maintain highly efficient and effective case management within a dynamic legal environment.
You will bring:
- Extensive working knowledge and considerable practicing experience in highly complex cases across Criminal Law, Procedure, and Evidence Law.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and respond effectively to emerging strategic and operational issues within a changing legal environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven capacity to communicate and negotiate at an influential level with Crown Prosecutors, defence counsel, police, complainants, and witnesses.
- Demonstrated ability to formally and effectively mentor staff, fostering continuous professional growth and learning.
About Us:
The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for conducting serious criminal prosecutions across Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Our team, consisting of over 475 skilled professionals, supports the work of the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor, and Crown Prosecutors. We strive to be a criminal justice system leader and a dynamic organisation, continually adapting to deliver effective outcomes for our people and the community.
At the heart of the criminal justice system are people – practitioners and the community we serve. Our vision is to lead in legal excellence, fostering an innovative, supportive environment with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence.
Apply Now:
Applications must contain a resume, cover letter.
You will be required complete the online Key Selection Criteria questions located on the last page of the online application form. A separate document responding to the key selection criteria is not required.
Applications close on 11.59pm Sunday 4 January 2026.
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/
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.
