Principal Solicitor

Description:

Principal Solicitor - Policy and Specialised Legal
The Policy and Specialised Legal (PASL) team plays a key role in supporting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) Executive. As the Principal Solicitor, you'll manage complex legal matters with minimal supervision, providing strategic advice to external agencies, OPP staff, and Crown Prosecutors. You'll handle policy matters, draft critical responses, and represent the OPP and DPP in high-profile cases and law reform. Additionally, you'll mentor staff, fostering a collaborative environment, while working with peers and external stakeholders to develop dynamic systems that ensure the OPP can adapt to the evolving challenges of the criminal justice system.
About the Role:
The Policy and Specialised Legal (PASL) plays an integral role in supporting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) Executive. With each day presenting new challenges, PASL provides expert legal advice on complex issues, navigating emerging legal landscapes, making decisions in uncharted territory, and offering innovative solutions.
As the Principal Solicitor, you'll lead a diverse range of unique legal matters, providing strategic advice and managing complex issues with minimal supervision. You'll offer guidance to external agencies, OPP staff, and Crown Prosecutors, handle external policy matters, and draft critical responses. Representing the OPP and DPP, you'll work on high-profile cases, contribute to law reform, and engage with key stakeholders, while seizing advocacy opportunities across various legal issues. Additionally, the role involves mentoring and supporting other staff members, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. You will work closely with peers and external stakeholders to develop dynamic systems across multiple practice areas, ensuring the OPP effectively adapts to the evolving challenges of the criminal justice system.
About you:
As an experienced Principal Solicitor, you will bring a strong legal background and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to take on highly complex legal work making a significant impact within the Office of Public Prosecutions. You will posses
* Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, and the ability to mentor staff, fostering continuous learning and development.
* An ability to provide high-level written and oral advice on the most complex legal and policy issues.
* The ability to effectively identify and respond to emerging issues at both a strategic and operational level in a changing legal environment.
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, cover letter.
You will be required 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 11.59pm Thursday 27 March.
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.