Senior Solicitor - Proceeds of Crime

Office-of-Public-Prosecutions; Victoria; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Public Prosecutions invites applications for Senior Solicitor, Proceeds of Crime. The role involves preparing confiscation litigation in Melbourne County and Supreme Courts, and instructing Counsel for the DPP.

You will appear in Confiscation Lists and manage complex cases with autonomy. We seek an experienced solicitor with extensive experience in complex commercial, civil or confiscation litigation, strong analytical skills and the ability to mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in complex commercial, civil or confiscation litigation.
• Strong knowledge of civil litigation practice and procedure; criminal law knowledge is a plus.
• Proven ability to provide clear, concise advice on complex legal issues.
• Advocacy experience appearing before superior courts.
• Strong analytical, drafting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and work with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage complex confiscation matters including civil forfeiture.
• Instruct Counsel and appear in County Court Confiscation List.
• Conduct detailed legal research and policy analysis.
• Provide high-quality written and verbal advice to DPP and senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to legal strategy and continuous improvement.
• Support and mentor junior legal staff and foster a collaborative culture.

Skills

Confiscation litigation

Civil litigation

Advocacy

Legal research

Policy development

Mentoring

Education

Victorian Practising Certificate

Job description

Senior Solicitor, Proceeds of Crime. Full time, ongoing position. Applications close on 11:59pm Sunday 25 October 2026.About the role:Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will be responsible for the preparation of a wide variety of Confiscation Act litigation in the Melbourne County and Supreme Courts and instructing Counsel appearing for the DPP. You will be required to appear in the Confiscation Lists of the County and Supreme Courts on applications for restraining and other orders under the Confiscation Act, including pre-trial hearings on behalf of the DPP.This is an intellectually challenging role that will suit an experienced confiscation, civil or commercial litigator seeking meaningful work, professional growth and the opportunity to contribute to a highly respected public sector legal practice.Key responsibilitiesPrepare and manage complex confiscation matters, including civil forfeiture and unexplained wealth proceedings.Conduct detailed legal research and analysis of complex legal and policy issues.Provide high-quality written and verbal advice to the Director of Public Prosecutions and senior stakeholders.Prepare matters for hearings.Instruct Counsel in complex confiscation litigation and related proceedings.Appear regularly in the County Court Confiscation List on behalf of the DPP.Negotiate appropriate resolutions to achieve effective and timely outcomes.Manage a substantial and complex caseload with a high degree of autonomy.Contribute to policy development, legal strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.Support and mentor junior legal staff while fostering a collaborative and values-driven team culture.About youTo be successful in this role, you will bring:Extensive experience in complex commercial, civil or confiscation litigation.Strong knowledge of civil litigation practice and procedure, with working knowledge of criminal law highly regarded.Demonstrated ability to provide clear, concise and practical advice on complex legal issues.Proven advocacy experience appearing in applications and interlocutory proceedings before superior courts.Exceptional analytical, drafting and problem-solving skills.Strong stakeholder engagement abilities and the confidence to work effectively with Counsel, senior management, police investigators, forensic accountants and senior legal practitioners.The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes.A commitment to mentoring others and contributing positively to team performance and culture.Admitted to the legal profession as an Australian Lawyer with a current Victorian Practising Certificate.Eligible to appear as a solicitor advocate in Victorian courts.About Us:The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for conducting serious criminal prosecutions across Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Our team, consisting of over 475 skilled professionals, supports the work of the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor, and Crown Prosecutors. We strive to be a criminal justice system leader and a dynamic organisation, continually adapting to deliver effective outcomes for our people and the community.At the heart of the criminal justice system are people - practitioners and the community we serve. Our vision is to lead in legal excellence, fostering an innovative, supportive environment with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence.Apply Now:Applications must contain a resume and cover letter.You will be required to complete the online Key Selection Criteria questions located on the last page of the online application form. A separate document responding to the key selection criteria is not required.Applications close on Applications close on 11:59pm Sunday 25 October 2026.In accordance with the VPS recruitment process all candidates are subject to complete a pre-employment misconduct screening declaration. Further information is available on the VPSC website: https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/pre-employment-screening-misconduct-victorian-public-service/The OPP is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. People from all cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, or those who may experience disability related barriers in securing employment.