Solicitor Advocate

Office of Public Prosecutions; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for higher-jurisdiction/

Job summary

Office of Public Prosecutions in Melbourne seeks an experienced criminal lawyer to advocate daily in Magistrates' and Children's Court, with opportunities to work on contested matters and higher jurisdiction work. You will liaise with OPP solicitors, Crown Prosecutors and police to prosecute lists, seek early resolutions, and deliver fair outcomes.

The role offers Melbourne-based work with occasional travel to regional Victoria.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure (Criminal Procedure Act, Evidence Act, Bail Act)
• Proven ability to prepare and appear as an advocate in the Magistrates' Court
• Strong communication with victims, witnesses and court staff
• Ability to work collaboratively with solicitors, prosecutors and police

Responsibilities

• Prepare and appear in Magistrates' and Children's Court matters (committal mentions, conferences, bail applications, hearings)
• Prosecute high-volume lists and applications in collaboration with other prosecutors
• Identify opportunities for early resolution and fair outcomes
• Engage with victims and witnesses respectfully and informatively
• Support tech-enabled improvements and innovative practices

Skills

Criminal Law

Advocacy

Court Appearance

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Admission to Australian legal profession

Victorian practising certificate

Job description

A Melbourne-based courtroom role for an experienced criminal lawyer, offering daily advocacy in the Magistrates' and Children's Courts and opportunities to develop into contested and higher-jurisdiction work. As a Solicitor Advocate, you will use your experience in indictable crime to appear daily in the Magistrates' and Children's Courts. You will work closely with instructing solicitors to prosecute high-volume lists and applications, identify opportunities for early resolution and deliver fair and effective prosecution outcomes.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and appearing in Magistrates' and Children's Court matters, including committal mentions and case conferences, summary jurisdiction applications and pleas, bail applications, contested hearings and other matters.
• Working proactively with OPP solicitors, Crown Prosecutors, defence practitioners and police informants to identify and pursue opportunities for early resolution.
• Communicating sensitively and respectfully with victims and witnesses attending court, so they are informed about and involved in the prosecution process.
• Supporting continuous improvement, including projects and innovative work practices that make effective use of technology.
• When you are not appearing in the Magistrates' Court, there will be opportunities, in consultation with your manager, to prosecute contested committals, and plea and appeal hearings in higher jurisdictions. The role is Melbourne based, with occasional travel to regional Victoria. Flexible working arrangements, including part-time arrangements, will be considered. Permenent and fixed term positions available.

What We're Looking For:

• Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure, including the Criminal Procedure Act, Evidence Act, Bail Act and the Director's Policy.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and appear as an advocate in the Magistrates' Court, including in high-volume lists and complex hearings.
• A proactive approach to the resolution and settlement of matters.
• High-level interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with OPP staff, Crown Prosecutors, victims, witnesses, defence practitioners and court staff.
• The ability to collaborate as an effective team member and contribute to innovative, technology-enabled work practices.
• Admission to the legal profession as an Australian lawyer and 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. Represent the Director and informants in high-volume Magistrates' Court lists, with opportunities to grow into contested and higher-jurisdiction advocacy.

Applications close on 11:59pm on Thursday, 18 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 comm itted 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.