Position No: 36087, several Directorate: Director of Public Prosecutions Advertised (Gazettal date): 01 May 2026 Contact Officer: Margaret Smith (02) 6207 5399 Details: 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 Criminal Practice of the DPP is responsible for the conduct of prosecutions from first mention to finalisation in either the Magistrates Court or the Supreme Court. The Practice reports to the Deputy Director, Criminal Practice, and is structured into several smaller teams, each led by a Supervising Prosecutor.
The Practice operates as a generalist prosecution team, with prosecutors having carriage of a broad range of criminal matters, including drug offences, traffic matters, domestic and sexual violence prosecutions, fraud and dishonesty offences, and offences involving personal violence. Most prosecutorial and advocacy work undertaken by the Criminal Practice is performed in the Magistrates Court; however, prosecutors also have opportunities to appear in, and to instruct counsel in, matters before the Supreme Court.
This graduate lawyer position offers an exceptional entry‐level opportunity to launch your legal career in criminal law. Under the direction of a Supervising Lawyer, the Prosecutor Associate, Graduate Lawyer position will support the delivery of prosecution services across both the Supreme and Magistrates Courts jurisdictions. You will work closely with experienced prosecutors in a supportive environment with opportunities for mentoring and professional development.
This position will appeal to someone who is developing their advocacy skills and has a strong interest in gaining courtroom experience. The role requires someone who can communicate clearly and professionally with a keen eye for detail as well as strong time management skills and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
The successful applicant prepares and appears in the Magistrates Court lists including mentions, bail applications and sentence lists. They may also appear in more simple hearing matters, depending on their experience level, and maintain carriage of less complex files in the office. The applicant will also assist in the preparation of complex Supreme Court trials and act as an instructor to counsel in the Supreme Court.
Applicants should be aware that this role will involve exposure to sensitive and traumatic material given the nature of 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
* Ability to conduct and appear as an advocate on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions in less complex matters before the Magistrates and Childrens Court, including bail applications and sentences.
Core Capabilities – Other Legal Capabilities
* Demonstrated knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly acquire, criminal law and practice, and the laws of evidence applicable to the Territory, with capability to identify legal and factual issues.
* Proven ability to provide quality legal support including legal research, maintain accurate file notes and records of proceedings, draft correspondence including legal submissions, organise witnesses and exhibits, attend conferences, brief and file maintenance, photocopying and records management.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, in particular the proven ability to communicate with vulnerable witnesses, with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders
* 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
* Resilience in the context of exposure to sensitive and or traumatic material.
* Proven ability to uphold the values and principles of the ACT Public Service, with demonstrated commitment to the ACT Public Service Respect, Equity and Diversity Framework, ACT Public Service Performance Framework and Workplace Health and Safety.
Compliance Requirements/Qualifications
* Admitted to, or eligible to, practice as a legal practitioner in the ACT.
* Currently hold, or eligible to hold, a Practicing Certificate in the ACT.
* The successful candidate/s will be required to undergo a pre‐employment National Police Check.
Notes
There are several permanent and temporary full-time positions, with the possibility of extension up to 12 months and/or permanency.
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
* A completed application form (available via the position ), including contact details for two referees.
* A curriculum vitae that outlines your skills and experience.
* A response of no more than two (2) pages, addressing the identified capabilities describing how your knowledge, experience and qualifications meet the skills and capabilities required for this role.
Applications should be submitted via www.jobs.act.gov.au/jobs/director-of-public-prosecutions/permanent/36087,-several
Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.
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