Principal Crown Prosecutor

Queensland Government; Ipswich City; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Ipswich, seeks a permanent, flexible-full time Principal Crown Prosecutor to lead a new legal chamber. You will represent the Crown and State in complex criminal trials and appeals, provide leadership to your Chamber, and drive performance, workflows, and strategic initiatives.

Applicants should have extensive criminal law experience, a proven track record in jury trials and sentencing, and strong leadership skills to

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in criminal law with a proven track record in jury trials and sentencing before superior courts.
• Ability to independently analyse complex legal matters and make sound decisions.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Appear as leading counsel in criminal trials and appeals before superior courts.
• Exercise discretion to initiate or discontinue serious charges based on evidence and public interest.
• Mentor Crown Prosecutors and staff to promote performance and capability development.
• Manage Chambers and ensure high-quality prosecution services with continuous improvement.
• Foster effective stakeholder relationships between the ODPP and external parties.

Skills

Criminal law

Prosecution experience

Leadership

Judicial trials

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Job description

Are you ready to lead and inspire in the pursuit of justice? This is a unique and exciting opportunity to establish a new legal chamber within the Ipswich location of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), while proudly representing the Crown and the State of Queensland. The ODPP is offering a permanent flexible full-time SO Principal Crown Prosecutor role.

As a Principal Crown Prosecutor, you'll represent the Crown and the State of Queensland in complex criminal trials and appeals across superior courts, while providing leadership to your Chamber. Beyond the courtroom, you'll manage performance, workflows, and contribute to key initiatives within the ODPP. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Queensland's justice system.

About us:

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is a vital part of Queensland's justice system, representing the State in prosecuting criminal matters across courts such as the High Court of Australia, Supreme Court, District Court, and more. Our work addresses complex and sensitive legal matters, ensuring justice is upheld with professionalism and integrity.

About your role:

We are offering a permanent flexible-full time position to establish and lead a new legal chamber within the Ipswich region. As a Principal Crown Prosecutor, your key responsibilities will include:

• Appearing as leading counsel in a wide range of criminal trials and appeals in the superior courts.
• Exercising discretion, without supervision, to initiate, vary, and discontinue serious criminal charges based on evidence and public interest.
• Acting as an expert advisor on complex and sensitive legal matters to support staff and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
• Managing your Chambers to ensure the delivery of high-quality prosecution services within a framework of continuous improvement.
• Providing professional mentoring to Crown Prosecutors and legal staff, focusing on performance and capability development.
• Monitoring and supporting the health and well-being of staff within your Chambers.
• Managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating effective communication between the ODPP and other parties to ensure efficient case finalisation.
• Contributing to whole-of-ODPP initiatives aimed at improving systems, processes, and work practices.

What we're looking for:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced legal professional who:

• Has extensive experience in criminal law practice, including a proven track record as prosecution or defence counsel in jury trials and sentencing matters before superior courts.
• Is confident in independently analysing complex legal matters and making sound, evidence-based decisions in criminal proceedings.
• Possesses strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop legal professionals, manage performance, and foster a high-performing team environment.
• Has a demonstrated ability to contribute to organisational initiatives and advance the legal or justice profession through involvement in projects or professional associations.
• Brings exceptional interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of working with trauma-impacted and vulnerable victims of crime, while demonstrating a commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity, and cultural capability.
• Upholds the highest professional and ethical standards, ensuring fairness and integrity in all aspects of their work.

Mandatory requirements:

You will be admitted as a Legal Practitioner in a State of Territory of Australia (please indicate date of admission).

This is more than a role; it's your opportunity to make a genuine difference in the community. Think you're ready for the challenge?

Applications to remain current for 12 months.