Description

Solicitor, Proceeds of Crime - Full-time Ongoing Position
As part of the Proceeds of Crime team, your work will focus on disrupting and deterring profit-motivated crime using the various restraint and forfeiture mechanisms in the Confiscation Act 1997. You will prepare cases for restraining orders over assets (including real estate, cash, bank accounts, cryptocurrency, and motor vehicles) for potential forfeiture. You will litigate property claims relating to restrained property to determine whether it is tainted property or unexplained wealth. Additionally, you will support victims of crime by restraining property for the payment of compensation.
Your confiscation work will intersect with other areas of law including, most commonly, the criminal law, property law, and equity and trusts.
As a Proceeds of Crime Solicitor, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from leading experts in the field. With no two matters quite the same, this role will involve navigating a range of complex and varied responsibilities, including:

* Assessing confiscation briefs of evidence from Victoria Police, collaborating closely with Victoria Police members and forensic accountants to prepare restraining order applications over assets.
* Managing and preparing complex conviction-based confiscation cases, civil forfeiture, and unexplained wealth applications in the County and Supreme Courts, including drafting affidavit material and other court documents.
* Conducting litigation arising from property claims made by accused persons and third parties in respect of restrained property, including assessing evidence and preparing evidence in reply.
* Conducting research and analysis to address legal issues, providing well-supported advice, and preparing clear, accurate memoranda.
* Routinely appearing as solicitor advocate in appropriate hearings and applications under the Confiscation Act 1997 in the County Court and, on occasion, in the Supreme Court, and instructing counsel in the most complex hearings.
* Providing clear, concise written and verbal advice to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the senior managers in the Proceeds of Crime team.
* Conducting case negotiations to resolve issues and disputes in an efficient, economic and effective manner.
* High-level management of key stakeholders, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, OPP prosecutors, defence practitioners, victims of crime, Victoria Police and other government agencies.
* Mentoring junior staff within the Proceeds of Crime team.

The Proceeds of Crime Solicitor will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Trial Divisions and other legal practices across the OPP with respect to related files.

About You:
This is a specialist role aimed at those who wish to apply their civil or commercial litigation experience in a criminal law setting and make a difference with their legal career. As a Proceeds of Crime Solicitor, you will have a strong commercial and/or civil litigation background coupled with a high level of interpersonal skills that enables you to collaborate across the OPP and liaise effectively with a diverse range of broader stakeholders.
To be successful in the role you will need to demonstrate:

* A working knowledge of civil rules and procedure. Criminal law knowledge is desirable but not essential.
* Competence in the preparation and conduct of commercial and/or civil litigation. Familiarity with proceedings under relevant legislation such as the Confiscation Act 1997 is desirable.
* Demonstrated ability to work independently balancing competing priorities effectively and producing high quality work within tight time constraints and court deadlines.
* Demonstrated competence in appearing as a solicitor advocate in routine matters in the County Court (or similar).

You must be an Australian Lawyer with a current Victorian Practising Certificate.

What we offer:

* In-house professional development with access to an extensive collection of resources.
* A supportive team with hands-on training and accessible managers to guide you.
* A well-structured induction and a collaborative environment.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and well-being initiatives ensure you have the support you need to manage the demands of the job.


What our team have to say:
"I love the work-life balance and that I'm surrounded by a team that's not only knowledgeable but always ready to support one another. It makes a big difference every day."

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 and 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 at 11.59pm on Sunday 16 February 2025.
In accordance with the VPS recruitment process all candidates are required 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.