NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

About

The NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) prosecutes indictable offences under NSW law on behalf of the community.

The ODPP also prosecute all NSW child sexual assault offences and criminal cases against NSW police officers, whether or not they are indictable offences.

The ODPP prosecutes about 18,000 matters a year. These include: -Committal proceedings in the Local Court and Children's Court, to decide whether there is enough evidence for a matter to go to trial -Trials in the District Court and the Supreme Court -Appeals, in the District Court, Court of Criminal Appeal and High Court -Hearings in the Local Court and the Children’s Court

What kind of work?

Solicitors are responsible for preparing the brief of evidence, liaising with the police and witnesses, organising conferences and any exhibits, and assisting the Crown Prosecutor at trial.

Crown Prosecutors appear in court, settle and determine the appropriate charges, and provide legal advice to the Director on a wide range of issues, including whether there is sufficient evidence to justify proceeding with a particular prosecution or whether the proceedings should be terminated.

Location

Sydney

Student Opportunities

UNSW students can intern at the ODPP course credit. Students must apply for an internship through the myLaw website.

You can find more information here: https://www.odpp. nsw.gov.au/careers/work-experience.

Graduate Opportunities

The ODPP offer a graduate program for students who have completed the coursework component of their PLT. The Legal Development Program is a full-time paid program that runs for 12 months.

Graduates are given the opportunity to develop and enhance: - Organisational skills - Analytical skills - Legal research skills - Legal drafting and written communication - Knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure - Communication skills - Teamwork skills

You can find more information here: https://www.odpp.nsw.gov.au/careers/legal-development-program

Fun Fact / Recent Project

Witness Assistance Service The ODPP's Witness Assistance Service (WAS) provides a range of support services and information to vulnerable witnesses to reduce as much as possible the extra stress of being involved in a serious legal matter.

WAS officers are social workers, psychologists or counsellors who understand both trauma and how the criminal justice system works. WAS officers can support witnesses in preparing to give evidence, preparing victim impact statements and can provide court updates and debriefs.