Paralegal Program- Targeted

NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Paralegal Program- Targeted

Prosecution Officer (Administrative) Level 3

Temporary, for an initial period of up to 12 months $105,069. Package includes salary ($84659 - $92,701 p.a.), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading. (Pro Rata for Part time hours)

This is a targeted position for a First Nations Paralegal. Are you a current Law degree/diploma student or currently enrolled in the Practical Legal Training Program? Develop your knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure with the NSW ODPP

About us

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecuting authority responsible for the prosecution of all serious offences committed against the laws of New South Wales. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace by providing ongoing support and opportunities for all staff.

For the ODPP, it is vital that First Nations staff representation is increased, to ensure that we offer a culturally safe prosecution agency that can provide best practice services for First Nations victims, witnesses and the broader First Nations communities across NSW. 

The role

The Paralegal Program provides opportunities and employment pathways at all stages of the prosecution process. Paralegals work closely with Solicitors and Crown Prosecutors as part of a legal team. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your legal research and analytical skills and learn from talented and experienced Solicitors and Crown Prosecutors.

Full-time and part-time opportunities (minimum requirement of three working days, including two consecutive days) are available for an initial period of up to 12 months.

We are looking for a motivated applicant with a genuine interest in criminal law who can demonstrate effective interpersonal, communication, teamwork and organisational skills. The Program is designed to provide paralegals with the essential skills and capabilities for future roles within the criminal justice system. 

A position may be offered at any one of ODPP locations including Campbelltown, Dubbo, Gosford, Lismore, Newcastle, Parramatta, Penrith, Sydney CBD, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.

Working as part of a team, the role may include:

• preparing case files and briefs
• liaising with police, legal practitioners, witnesses and court registry staff to obtain and provide information and assistance
• preparing court documents for prosecutions and appeals, and
• providing general legal support.

Why choose the ODPP
 

As the prosecuting authority of New South Wales, the ODPP offers unique and rewarding career opportunities. 

• We have engaged with a First Nations counselling service to provide all First Nations staff with access to one-on-one cultural supervision.
• Gain valuable, practical experience in criminal prosecutions.
• Develop strong legal skills through structured mentoring, targeted training, and hands‑on experience.
• Access ongoing professional development throughout your studies and beyond.
• Undertake challenging and meaningful work that makes a real difference to the NSW community.
• Work flexibly, allowing you to balance your studies with engaging and purposeful legal work.
• Commence a clear career pathway with opportunities to progress to a solicitor role.
• Access study leave entitlements to support your academic commitments.
• Enjoy excellent working conditions, including flexible work practices and a strong focus on staff wellbeing, health and safety. This includes access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, a Wellbeing Check Program, special Fitness Passport rates, and workplace adjustments where required.
• Be part of an inclusive workplace and connect with one or more of our five staff affinity groups: First Nations; Disability and Neurodiversity; People of Diverse Genders and Sexualities; Women; and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. These groups promote inclusion through connection, support, advocacy, and shared experiences.

Eligibility

The ODPP encourage First Nations applicants to apply.

In line with the GSE Rules, the ODPP utilises targeted roles to provide First Nations people with greater access to employment and to foster greater racial equality, thereby addressing the longstanding disadvantage. 

• You must be pre-admission to apply for this program. At a minimum, you must either be:

a) currently enrolled in a law degree/diploma, having completed Foundations (or equivalent) and Criminal Law (academic transcript proof is required). If these units have not been completed, equivalent paralegal work experience is required (minimum 12 months). OR 

b) currently undertaking the Practical Legal Training Program. 

• If applying for part-time hours, these roles require a minimum commitment of three working days, with two of the three days needing to be consecutive days. If applying for full-time hours, you will need to be available to work 35 hours per week.

Interviews

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

Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete an online assessment during a 24-hour period at a date to be confirmed in the week commencing 30 March 2026. The assessment will take approximately one hour and must be completed in one sitting. It can be undertaken at any time during the specified 24-hour period.  

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:

1. Outline your interest in the practice of criminal law and the function of the ODPP.
2. Provide examples of your proven ability to meet deadlines, communicate effectively and work co-operatively within a team.

Please apply via jobs.odpp.nsw.gov.au, reference number 1484.

When completing the online application form, you will be asked to indicate your office location preferences, provide the contact details of two relevant referees, and consent to a Criminal History Record Check. 

To ensure the ODPP is utilising targeted roles appropriately, applicants may be asked to provide either: 

• a certificate of Aboriginality, if available, or
• a letter of support from an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) from the community you are from or from the community you live.

Closing date: Sunday 15 March 2026 (11:59pm)

A talent pool will be created to fill vacancies across all ODPP offices which may arise over the next 18 months.

Enquiries: If you identify as a First Nations person and are thinking about applying, you can contact our Manager, First Nations Strategy and Engagement, Lauren Davies, for a confidential discussion by emailing: ldavies@odpp.nsw.gov.au

Further Information

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

Learn more about the Paralegal Program: Paralegal e-book

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)

If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to support you during the recruitment process or experience any technical difficulties, please contact Bianca Burgess, Recruitment Business Partner on (02) 8268 2693 or recruit@odpp.nsw.gov.au, and a response will be sent during business hours.

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.