Principal Crown Prosecutor

Department of Justice, Queensland; Ipswich City; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Justice, Queensland – Ipswich QLD is seeking a Principal Crown Prosecutor to establish and lead a new legal chamber in the Ipswich region. You will appear as leading counsel in criminal trials and appeals before the superior courts, exercising discretion to initiate or discontinue charges based on evidence and public interest.

You will mentor Crown Prosecutors, manage your Chambers, and drive continuous improvements in prosecution services, while fostering staff wellbeing,

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in criminal law practice and proven jury trial or sentencing work.
• Ability to analyse complex legal matters independently and make evidence-based decisions.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building capabilities.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity and cultural capability.

Responsibilities

• Appear as leading counsel in criminal trials and appeals before superior courts.
• Initiate, vary, and discontinue charges based on evidence and public interest.
• Advise on complex legal matters to support staff and the ODPP.
• Manage Chambers to deliver high-quality prosecution services.
• Mentor Crown Prosecutors and staff for performance and capability.
• Monitor staff health and well-being within Chambers.
• Maintain stakeholder relations between ODPP and others for efficient case finalisation.
• Contribute to ODPP initiatives to improve systems and processes.

Job description

Department of Justice, Queensland – Ipswich QLD

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.