Our roles
Crown prosecutor
As a crown prosecutor, you play a pivotal role in upholding justice by representing the state in criminal proceedings. Your responsibilities encompass preparing and presenting cases in court, managing criminal trials and appeals and ensuring that justice is served impartially and effectively.
Who makes a good crown prosecutor
If you thrive in a courtroom environment, enjoy critical thinking and can handle a fast-paced and demanding workload, this career path offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the community and the justice system.
To excel in this role, you should possess:
- Strong communication and public speaking skills: the ability to articulate legal arguments clearly and persuasively in court
- In-depth knowledge of the law: a comprehensive understanding of criminal law and legal procedures
- Decision-making under pressure: the capacity to make sound judgments in high-stress situations
- Honesty and ethical integrity: a commitment to fairness and ethical conduct in all aspects of your work
- Leadership abilities: the potential to take on senior roles and mentor junior legal staff
Key responsibilities
- Leading complex criminal trials and appeals: managing court cases with confidence and legal skill
- Deciding on serious criminal charges and penalties: carefully assessing evidence to make fair decisions
- Providing expert legal advice: supporting police and other agencies with clear and accurate guidance
- Managing and supporting legal team members: helping colleagues perform well through mentoring and supervision
Victim liaison officer
As a victim liaison officer (VLO), you play a crucial role in supporting victims of crime. You are the primary point of contact for victims, providing information and connecting victims with key support services across Queensland. Your work ensures that victims are informed and supported throughout the prosecution process.
Who makes a good victim liaison officer
If you are compassionate, organised and dedicated to helping others navigate the justice system, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of victims.
To excel in this role, you should possess:
- Empathy and patience: the ability to understand and support victims during challenging times
- Strong communication skills: capable of explaining complex information clearly and listening attentively
- Confidentiality: committed to maintaining the privacy and trust of those you assist
- Interpersonal skills: able to work effectively with a diverse range of people and organisations
- Organisation and reliability: efficient in managing multiple tasks and responsibilities
Key responsibilities
- Contacting victims: reach out to victims of serious crimes to explain the legal process and their role
- Maintaining records: keep accurate and up-to-date records and correspondence
- Collaborating with agencies: work with police, courts and support agencies to coordinate services
- Liaising with legal team: communicate with assigned crown prosecutors and legal staff to ensure victims' needs are addressed
Legal officer
As a legal officer, you help prepare prosecution cases and support justice across Queensland. You will manage case preparation, advocate in court and work closely with a range of stakeholders to help deliver just outcomes.
Who makes a good legal officer
If you’re a motivated legal professional who enjoys courtroom work, critical thinking, and collaborating to support justice, this role is for you. Please note, admission as a legal practitioner in an Australian state or territory is required to be a Legal Officer.
To excel in this role, you should possess:
- Advocacy skills: the ability to represent the ODPP effectively in court, including in appeals, hearings, and sentencing
- Communication and collaboration: the ability to work well with defence lawyers, police, victims, witnesses, and legal teams
- Leadership: a willingness to mentor and support junior staff and contribute to a positive team environment
- Organisation and resilience: capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong legal knowledge: a thorough understanding of criminal law and court procedures
Key responsibilities
- Advocating in court: representing the ODPP in court for appeals, sentences, bail applications, and hearings
- Building strong relationships: liaising effectively with defence lawyers, police, complainants, victims, and other stakeholders
- Preparing prosecution matters: managing case preparation, including appeals, with professionalism and attention to detail
- Supporting legal support staff: supervising, mentoring, and supporting legal support staff to promote a high-performing team
Legal support officer
As a legal support officer you provide administrative support to legal officers and crown prosecutors in preparing matters to be presented to the court.
Who makes a good legal support officer
This role suits someone who is organised, careful with details and can work well with others. You need to be able to follow instructions, keep information private and manage tasks on time.
To excel in this role, you should possess:
- Good organisation: track of documents and meet deadlines
- Clear communication: speak and write well with different people
- Attention to detail: check your work and handle paperwork carefully
- Work style: able to work in a team and on your own
Key responsibilities
- Help prepare court matters: put together files and documents
- Work with police and witnesses: request statements and checks
- Talk to others: contact police, lawyers, and court staff
- File and track documents: lodge with court and keep records updated
Administrative officer (transcriber)
As an administrative officer (transcriber), you play a vital role in the justice system by producing accurate transcripts of recordings such as interviews, witness statements and court tapes. Your work ensures legal teams have reliable documentation to support criminal proceedings.
Who makes a good transcriber
If you enjoy detailed work, can concentrate for long periods and like supporting a busy legal team, this role is a great fit. It offers an opportunity to develop valuable skills while contributing to important legal processes.
To excel in this role, you should possess:
- Fast and accurate typing skills: typing quickly and with minimal errors
- Great attention to detail: maintaining focus and accuracy over extended periods
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team: handling tasks alone and collaborating effectively
- Good time management and organisation skills: handling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines efficiently
Key responsibilities
- Producing high-quality transcripts: accurately transcribing various recordings to a consistently high standard
- Managing reports: maintaining daily and weekly reports and work assignments
- Team collaboration: developing and maintaining effective working relationships with legal staff, clerks and other stakeholders
Each office includes a team of crown prosecutors, legal officers, legal administration support staff and victim liaison officers. Our corporate services are based in Brisbane and provide essential support to all metropolitan and regional teams, ensuring we operate effectively and consistently across the state.