The ACT Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was established under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1990 to institute, conduct and supervise prosecutions and related proceedings.
The Office comprises:
* The Director of Public Prosecutions (the Director), an independent statutory officer appointed by the ACT Executive
* Staff employed under the Public Sector Management Act 1994 to assist the Director.
The ODPP’s principal role is to provide an independent, professional and effective prosecution service to the ACT community.
The Office maintains a strong commitment to the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
The Confiscation of Criminal Assets (COCA) team is a dedicated and highly specialised civil litigation team. The COCA team sits within the Criminal Practice of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and reports to the Deputy Director, Criminal Practice.
The COCA team works closely with ACT Policing’s Criminal Assets Investigation Team (CAIT) in targeting criminal wealth and disrupting serious and organised crime. Members of the COCA team are responsible for bringing applications under the Confiscation of Criminal Assets Act 2003, including for the restraint and forfeiture of criminally tainted property.
This Graduate Lawyer (Prosecutor Associate) position offers an excellent entry‑level opportunity to gain experience in confiscation and civil law within a criminal justice setting. Working under supervision, you will support the Confiscation of Criminal Assets (COCA) practice in matters before the Magistrates and Supreme Courts.
You will work closely with experienced prosecutors in a supportive environment, with opportunities for mentoring and professional development. The role will suit a candidate with a strong interest in civil litigation and asset confiscation, who is developing advocacy skills and seeking courtroom experience. Strong communication, attention to detail, time management, and organisational skills are essential.
The role includes assisting with COCA court lists, appearing in summary matters, managing less complex confiscation files, preparing legal advice, and supporting complex Supreme Court matters. You will also undertake legal research and administrative tasks, maintain strict confidentiality, and have opportunities to gain broader experience in general criminal prosecution work.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions supports workforce diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACT Public Services (ACTPS) and the ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.
Eligibility/Other Requirements:
The following capabilities form the criteria that are required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Core Capabilities – Legal and Advocacy Skills
1. Ability to conduct and appear as an advocate on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions in less complex prosecutions and confiscation matters before the Magistrates and Childrens Court.
Core Capabilities – Other Legal Capabilities
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o Engage in file management and other administrative functions that support the ongoing litigation role of the COCA team.
o Demonstrated knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly acquire, civil and confiscation law and procedure, the Confiscation of Criminal Assets Act 2003, and a basic understanding of criminal law and the laws of evidence.
o Demonstrated knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly acquire, property law, preferably in relation the system of leasehold in the Australian Capital Territory.
o An understanding of corporations, other business structures and trusts is preferred
o Proven ability to provide quality legal support including legal research, maintain accurate file notes and records of proceedings, draft correspondence including legal submissions, court documents organise witnesses and exhibits, attend conferences, brief and file maintenance, photocopying and records management.
Other Capabilities – Organisational
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o Strong interpersonal and communication skills, in particular the proven ability to maintain key relationships with external agencies, including the AFP, ACT Government agencies, the and the courts
o Proven team player with a strong sense of ownership and a proven ability to assist other team members, with the ability to manage competing work priorities, perform in a high work volume environment and adapt to rostering changes including short notice court appearances.
o Resilience in the context of exposure to sensitive and or traumatic material.
o Ability to uphold the values and principles of the ACT Public Service, with demonstrated commitment to promoting a culturally safe and inclusive workplace as well as the ACT Public Service Respect, Equity and Diversity framework, ACT Public Service Performance framework and Workplace Health and Safety framework.
Eligibility / Other Requirements
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o Admitted to, or eligible to, practice as a legal practitioner in the ACT.
o Eligible to hold a ACT Law Society Practising Certificate
o The successful candidate/s will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
Notes: Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. This process may form a merit pool to be utilised in the filling of future vacancies
How to Apply: For further information, please visit www.jobs.act.gov.au