Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the
Reference number
Occupation
Solicitor
Work type
Location
Sydney City, Sydney - Greater West, Sydney - West, Lismore & Far North Coast, Riverina & Murray, Dubbo & West NSW, Wollongong & The South Coast, Gosford, Central Coast and Region, Newcastle, Hunter & Region
Salary Information
Closing date
08 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Prosecution Officer (Lawyer) Level 2 – First Nations Targeted
Ongoing and Temporary Opportunities
$166,421. Package includes salary ($125, ,831 p.a.), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
Advance Your Career in Criminal Prosecution
Are you an experienced First Nations lawyer with litigation and advocacy experience and an interest in criminal law? Join the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and progress your career while contributing to a culturally responsive, fair and just criminal justice system for the people of New South Wales.
About Us
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecuting authority for NSW, responsible for prosecuting serious offences on behalf of the people of NSW. Our vision is to be a dynamic prosecution service recognised for excellence and leadership.
The ODPP is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace by providing ongoing support and opportunities for all staff. Increasing First Nations representation within the organisation is vital to ensuring we deliver culturally responsive prosecution services and best‑practice outcomes for First Nations victims, witnesses and communities across NSW.
About the Role
As a Level 2 Solicitor, you will manage a large and varied criminal law practice and play a key role in the delivery of justice. Your responsibilities will include:
* Reviewing and assessing complex briefs of evidence and recommending appropriate charges
* Preparing high‑level written legal advice on evidentiary and prosecutorial issues
* Attending case conferences and negotiating early pleas of guilty where appropriate
* Conducting advocacy in the Local, Children's and District Courts, including hearings and contested matters
* Instructing Crown Prosecutors and Counsel in trials and sentencing matters in the District and Supreme Courts
* Providing legal advice to and on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions
* Managing files and court deadlines in accordance with strict legislative and procedural requirements
This recruitment will create a talent pool for ongoing and temporary vacancies over the next 18 months across metropolitan and regional ODPP offices, including Campbelltown, Dubbo, Gosford, Lismore, Newcastle, Parramatta, Penrith, Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.
About You
Essential
* Be an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
* Provide Confirmation of Aboriginality and/or a letter from an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation from the community you are from
* Admission as an Australian legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of NSW
* A current NSW Practising Certificate prior to commencement
Skills and Attributes
* Demonstrated experience in criminal law, including advocacy experience
* Strong analytical skills and sound judgment in assessing evidence and legal risk
* The ability to actively listen and explain complex legal concepts clearly to diverse audiences
* Strong written communication skills across a range of styles and formats
* Sound decision‑making, problem‑solving, time management and organisational skills
Other Requirements
* A current driver's licence if applying for regional roles
We welcome applicants from diverse legal backgrounds, including those transitioning from non‑criminal law practices. Ongoing mentoring, development and support opportunities are available across metropolitan and regional offices.
Support for First Nations Staff
As a First Nations staff member at the ODPP, you will also have access to:
* One‑on‑one cultural supervision provided by a First Nations counselling service
* First Nations networks and development and support opportunities
* The option to join employee affinity groups, including the First Nations network, which foster inclusion, advocacy, connection and the sharing of lived experiences
Recruitment Process
* The interview process will be conducted virtually, and no travel will be required. The interview process will include capability-based assessments which may require your time and presence on more than one day.
How to Apply
Please read the Role Description and address the key accountabilities and focus capabilities when preparing your resume (maximum 3 pages) and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the following targeted questions:
Q1: Outline your experience managing a busy litigation practice that included criminal matters, or your experience in providing high‑level legal advice within strict standards.
Q2: Describe your experience in advocacy, preparing written legal work and conducting plea or other negotiations, and how you demonstrate excellent communication skills in these aspects of your work.
Apply via, reference number 1481.
Please note that 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, including a current manager)
* Consent to a Criminal History Record Check
Further Information
* Learn more about the ODPP here: About us | ODPP )
* Code of Conduct
* To learn more about First Nations People and the ODPP: First Nations People and the ODPP | ODPP ). The ODPP is committed to improving the experiences of First Nations people in the criminal justice system.
* Benefits of working with the ODPP: Benefits We Offer | ODPP )
For general enquiries or if you require reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please contact Darcy Ward, Recruitment Business Partner on or
First Nations applicants who would like a confidential discussion are also welcome to contact the ODPP's First Nations Manager / Project Officer via
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.