Federal Counsel

Director of Public Prosecution; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) in Sydney is seeking experienced Federal Counsel to support prosecutors and staff in delivering independent prosecution services across Australia.

Federal Counsel will appear in court, provide legal guidance, and be mentored by senior CDPP prosecutors. Applicants must have strong criminal-law knowledge, extensive advocacy experience, and be an Australian citizen able to pass pre-employment screening and Baseline clearance.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of advocacy experience as Counsel.
• Must be admitted as Legal Practitioner or Barrister or Solicitor of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
• Extensive knowledge of criminal law, with expertise in commercial, corporate or fraud litigation.

Responsibilities

• Appear in court and represent the Director in all jurisdictions.
• Attend case conferences and advise on early resolution of matters.
• Provide advice in relation to prosecution matters under the Commonwealth Prosecution Policy.
• Assist with recommendations for law reform or submissions to comment on new bills.
• Provide guidance to Federal Prosecutors appearing on summary hearings and short matters.
• Contribute to the development of Federal Prosecutors, including mentoring.
• Assist in training investigators in partner agencies.

Skills

Advocacy experience

Criminal law knowledge

Sole/lead counsel

Court appearances

Education

Admission to legal practice (Australian)

Job description

Director of Public Prosecution – Sydney NSW

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) is looking for experienced Federal Counsel who will provide support in undertaking the work by the prosecutors, other staff and resources of the CDPP.

About the Role

Members of the Federal Counsel team will appear in court and perform related functions on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The services provided by Federal Counsel will be complemented by services provided by the private Bar. Federal Counsel will be exclusively briefed by the CDPP during their tenure and will be instructed by and work with CDPP prosecutors. Federal Counsel will work independently and report to the Director via the Commonwealth Solicitor.

Federal Counsel will:

• Appear on behalf of the Director in all jurisdictions, including in complex bail hearings, committal hearings, sentence hearings, trials and appeals.
• Attend case conferences and negotiate with legal representatives and provide advice to the Director in relation to early resolution of matters.
• Provide advice in relation to any aspect of a prosecution in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.
• Assist with recommendations for law reform or responding to invitations for submissions to comment on new bills.
• Provide advice and guidance to Federal Prosecutors appearing on summary hearings, sentences and short matters.
• Contribute to the Office’s continuing legal education program, and assist in the development of Federal Prosecutors, including through mentoring.
• Assist in the training and development of investigators in partner agencies.

Federal Counsel will practice exclusively in criminal law, however experience in commercial, corporate and fraud litigation will be considered relevant experience.

The role of Federal Counsel will give experienced counsel the opportunity to work on and appear in prosecutions throughout Australia. Many of the cases will be challenging and involve significant and complex legal and forensic issues. Federal Counsel will be supported in undertaking this work by the prosecutors, other staff and resources of the CDPP. In undertaking the work Federal Counsel will assist the CDPP in achieving its aim to contribute to a fair, safe, and just society by delivering an effective, independent prosecution service in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth. The prosecution of criminal matters can involve exposure to traumatic material and events. The Office offers a range of support mechanisms to assist in this regard.

Qualifications/Special Requirements

• At least 7years advocacy experience as Counsel.
• Applicants must be admitted as a Legal Practitioner or Barrister or Solicitor of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
• Extensive knowledge of criminal law, with expertise in commercial, corporate or fraud litigation also highly regarded.
• Significant experience as sole or lead Counsel in jury trials.

To apply you need to be an Australian citizen.

You will need to pass our pre-employment screening process, which includes pre-employment background, police and security checks. You will also need to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Baseline security clearance, as a minimum. This clearance process will be supported by CDPP prior to commencement for successful candidates.

applications close 11:30 PM AEDT Sunday, 18 January 2026.

Please note: These roles arenon-ongoing (fixed term) engagement for up to 36 months,engaged under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1986 (Cth) (DPP Act).

Further information about these positions can be found in theCandidate Information Pack.