National Practice Leader

Criminal and Civil Law
Sydney, NSW
May 25, 2026
Full Time
Application deadline closed.

Job Description

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) comprises of five legal practice groups that together deliver the Commonwealth’s national prosecution service.

As National Practice Leader (NPL), you will lead one of the five legal practices of the CDPP; the work is complex, varied and often high profile, requiring strong judgement, clear thinking and the ability to lead other senior executives, using your extensive criminal prosecution experience to guide decisions.

You will operate as part of the executive leadership team, contributing not just legal advice, but providing national leadership with insight into change, risk, governance and decision-making. We are seeking a senior leader who brings deep criminal legal expertise, a pragmatic mindset, and the confidence to operate in a complex public sector environment.

What you will bring

  • deep subject-matter expertise of the Commonwealth’s criminal justice framework, strong criminal legal background and ability to lead and manage business activity. You will provide clear, strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues, exercising exceptional judgement in environments of ambiguity, urgency and public scrutiny;
  • the ability to lead through influence, setting expectations across CDPP on integrity and building a sustainable, high-performing legal workforce and organisation. You foster professional excellence, mentor prosecutors at all levels and actively contribute to the stewardship of the APS legal profession; and
  • the highest standards of integrity, resilience and accountability, and are committed to advancing APS Values.

Why join the CDPP

  • Influence decisions and represent the CDPP with partner agencies at a national level;
  • Contribute to executive decision making on complex and nationally significant prosecution matters
  • CDPP offers a leadership role that sets the strategic direction for a practices group and create a shared sense of purpose and collaboration; and
  • Ability to lead a capable legal prosecutorial function in a complex, high-profile public sector environment.

You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a national level, lead a high-performing legal function and contribute to outcomes that matter to the Australian community. We offer flexible working arrangements and a supportive, inclusive leadership culture.

What we are looking for

In addition, we are looking for a senior leader who:

  • is admitted Legal Practitioner or Barrister or Solicitor of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
  • has extensive experience in managing and leading a litigation practice, or similar, with criminal law experience.
  • can demonstrate capabilities expected of senior leaders in the APS, aligned with the Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership Behaviours (DRIVE) and Integrated Leadership System (SES Band 2).
  • is an Australian Citizen who can obtain an AGSVA Negative Vetting 2 security clearance.

Further details about these positions can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.