You will become a key member of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Legal Division providing quality professional advice in line with legal principles, government policy and organisational priorities.

The Principal Legal Officer is a specialist role established to perform legal review work associated with the review of historical criminal cases, considered closed but under review, in accordance with the recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland.

Job details

The core capability requirements for this role are:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of a review framework for the review of historical criminal cases and associated forensic DNA evidence, from the perspective of the role of the Queensland Police Service and in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and guidelines.
• Undertake complex legal review work associated with prosecuting historical criminal cases, considered closed, but under review, as a result of the Commission of Inquiry into the Forensic DNA Testing.
• Supervise and provide guidance to legal support officers, and other administrative support staff tasked with supporting the legal review activities.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships and partnerships with relevant stakeholders, Courts, the legal profession, victims and their families, as well as chamber-based staff.
• Work as part of a small, discrete team of legal professionals to deliver time sensitive outputs, in a sensitive, complex and contentious legal environment.

Role Requirements:

Mandatory

• Admission as, eligibility for immediate admission as, or entitlement to practise as, a legal practitioner in the State of Queensland.

Qualification

• Bachelor of Laws.

Technical/ Operational/ Educational experience

• Strong legal acumen, with particular experience and knowledge of criminal law, criminal trials and an ability to apply legal principles, draft legal documents and provide legal advice as a litigation solicitor. 
• Knowledge of the concept of DNA testing and analysis, in the context of prosecuting criminal cases in the superior courts.

Other

• In this role you may be exposed to traumatic material by investigating, witnessing, or being exposed to traumatic events.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 649922-25-Role Profile (Word, 3.67MB)
  
  
  649922-25-Applicant Information Guide (Word, 227KB)