Policy and Legal Advisor

Title: Policy and Legal Advisor

Location: Sydney Australia

Job Description:

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Prosecution Officer (Lawyer) Level 4

Temporary, for a period of up to 12 months

$196,278. Package includes salary ($165,865 - $173,174 p.a.), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

Newly created role

About us

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecuting authority responsible for the prosecution of all serious indictable offences committed against the laws of New South Wales. We are an agency of over 1100 staff, working throughout NSW to service the main court centres. Our 10 offices have a mix of Crown Prosecutors, Solicitor Advocates, Solicitors and support staff.

Our vision is to be a dynamic prosecution service recognised for our excellence and leadership. We act with integrity, by behaving ethically and professionally.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace by providing ongoing support and opportunities for all staff.

The Role

The ODPP seeks a Policy and Legal Advisor to provide policy and legal advice to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Solicitor for Public Prosecutions, ODPP lawyers and the Witness Assistance Service. The legal and policy advice includes advice in relation to prosecutions, proposals for law reform and the impact of proposed legislative and policy/procedural changes in the Criminal Justice System.

Key accountabilities:

• Provide legal and policy advice on a variety of issues, including proposed law reform, criminal procedure, and issues impacting victims of crime.
• Provide advice and assistance on matters such as the confiscation of assets of crime and the consideration, assessment and reporting on of costs awarded in prosecutions.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of internal legal resources and provide guidance to ODPP lawyers on managing complex legal issues in their matters.
• Determine claims for legal professional privilege, requests pursuant to Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA) and Privacy related issues.
• Provide training about prosecutions and the ODPP to external agencies.
• Undertake strategic project work and participation in working groups, particularly in relation to projects driven by legislative reform.

About you

• Must be eligible for admission as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of NSW and eligible to hold a solicitor's practising certificate.
• Demonstrated extensive experience working in criminal justice at a senior level.
• Detailed knowledge of criminal practice and procedure.

Why Us

As the prosecuting authority of NSW, the ODPP offers unique career opportunities.

• A premium location: Work from our brand-new office at Parkline Place, right next to Gadigal Metro station on Pitt Street-placing you in the vibrant heart of Sydney.
• Flexible work arrangements: Enjoy a 35-hour work week, access to flex leave, and hybrid working options with a minimum of three days in the office.
• Meaningful work: Be part of a team that delivers challenging, purpose-driven work that makes a real difference to the community.
• Exceptional working conditions: Benefit from a strong focus on wellbeing, including 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellbeing check-ins, special fitness passport rates, and tailored workplace adjustments.
• Growth and development: Access ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career progression.
• Inclusive culture: Join one or more of our five affinity groups-First Nations, Disability and Neurodiversity, People of Diverse Genders and Sexualities, Women, and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity-offering connection, advocacy, and a platform to share experiences.

Interviews

The interview process will include capability-based assessments which may require your time and presence on more than one day.

How to Apply

Please read the Role Description and address the key accountabilities and focus capabilities when preparing your resume [maximum three pages] and cover letter [maximum two pages]. You are required to demonstrate your suitability and claim for the role by addressing the following two targeted questions within the body of your cover letter:

Q1 - Outline your experience in the area of policy reform including formulating responses to policy consultations and providing high-quality advice requiring specialist legal and policy knowledge. Include specific examples that demonstrate your experience, knowledge and outcomes, including any involvement in internal or external working groups dealing with policy initiatives.

Q2 - Outline your experience in conducting criminal prosecutions with complex legal issues including providing high quality written advice and submissions. Clearly state any experience you have in the specialised areas which this role manages including costs, confiscations, subpoenas and privilege, information requests and privacy.

Please apply via jobs.odpp.nsw.gov.au, reference number 1453.

When completing the online application form, you will be asked to provide the contact details of two relevant referees (who can speak from a Supervisory perspective), and consent to a Criminal History Record Check.

Please note that a talent pool will be created to fill ongoing and temporary vacancies which may arise over the next 18 months.

Further Information:

Learn more about the ODPP here: About us | ODPP (nsw.gov.au) |Code of Conduct

To learn more about First Nations People and the ODPP: First Nations People and the ODPP | ODPP (nsw.gov.au).

Benefits of working with the ODPP: Benefits We Offer | ODPP (nsw.gov.au)

Enquiries: Anne Whitehead, Deputy Solicitor for Public Prosecutions on 02 9285 8996 or awhitehead@odpp.nsw.gov.au.

For general enquiries or if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to support you during the recruitment process, please contact Bianca Burgess, Recruitment Business Partner on (02) 8268 2693 or recruit@odpp.nsw.gov.au.

If you experience technical difficulties when submitting your application, please email recruit@odpp.nsw.gov.au and a response will be sent during business hours.

Please note that all enquiries will be responded to after 12 January 2026.

The ODPP values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential. The Office welcomes applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people identifying with diverse genders and sexualities, people with disability and other diversity groups. If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in the selection process, please indicate this in your application.