Solicitor

Office of Public Prosecutions; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle provided

Overnight accommodation provided

Job summary

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) invites applications for solicitor roles within our Trial Divisions in Melbourne. You will prepare and conduct moderately complex criminal matters for early resolution or trials in County and Supreme Courts, while developing professionally within a leading prosecution agency.

We seek applicants admitted to the Australian legal profession with Victorian Practising Certificates, who can analyse issues, instruct counsel, and liaise with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the legal profession in Australia and hold a Victorian Practising Certificate.
• Experience preparing and managing moderately complex litigation.
• Strong understanding of Criminal Law and Procedure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with stakeholder liaison skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and instruct counsel in civil/criminal matters across County and Supreme Courts.
• Conduct high‑level research, investigations and analysis of criminal law issues.
• Ensure cases are thoroughly prepared with counsel briefed to present before the Court.

Skills

Litigation experience

Criminal law

Research capability

Communication

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Australian admission to the legal profession

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

Join our dynamic Trial Divisions and play a pivotal role in preparing and conducting criminal matters in the Magistrates,’ County and Supreme Courts of Victoria Full time, ongoing and fixed term positions available. Applications close on 11:59pm Sunday 18 October 2026.

About the role:

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is seeking solicitors to join our dynamic Trial Divisions on an ongoing basis. As a solicitor, you will play a key role in the heart of our operations, responsible for preparing and conducting a variety of moderately complex matters for early resolution or trials in the County and Supreme Courts of Victoria. This is an excellent opportunity for solicitors who are looking for long-term career progression, and structured professional development within a leading prosecution agency.

In this role you will:

• Prepare and instruct counsel in the conduct of moderately complex criminal matters, including trials, pleas, and other hearings across the Magistrates,’ County and Supreme Courts.
• Conduct high‑level research, investigation, and analysis of criminal law issues, providing clear and concise advice to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure cases are thoroughly prepared, with appropriate counsel briefed to effectively present cases before the Court.

What we offer:

• Ongoing professional development with access to expert training, mentoring and an extensive collection of resources to streamline case preparation.
• A collaborative and supportive team that understands the challenges of the role, especially when dealing with sensitive subject matter.
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and well‑being initiatives ensure you have the support you need to manage the demands of the job.
• Positions are Melbourne based; however occasional regional travel may be a requirement of the position.
• A vehicle and overnight accommodation are provided as required.

About you:

• Experience in preparing and managing moderately complex litigation.
• A thorough understanding of Criminal Law and Procedure, including the Law of Evidence and other relevant legislation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Resilience and the ability to manage challenging topics, particularly in sensitive cases.
• You will be admitted to the legal profession as an Australian Lawyer and hold a current Victorian Practising Certificate.

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.

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. 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/