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Practice Manager
Cairns Chambers; North Queensland Region; Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Cairns
Are you ready to take the lead in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? As a Practice Manager in a new legal chamber being established in Cairns, you’ll play a pivotal role in overseeing daily operations, managing workloads, and coordinating staff leave arrangements.
You’ll have the chance to mentor and develop a talented team of legal officers and support staff, while also handling a caseload of complex matters and representing the Chamber at court events. This is your opportunity to make a real impact in a 12-month role with the possibility of extension.
If you’re passionate about leadership, professional growth, and delivering excellence, we’d love to hear from you!
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Justice & Legal |
| Classification | PO5 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/682511/26 |
| Closing date | 30-Mar-2026 |
| Job duration | 12 months with possible extension |
| Contact person | Stacey Cristaldi |
| Contact details | Phone: (07) 3738 9740 Access the National Relay Service |
About us
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is a vital part of Queensland's justice system, representing the State in prosecuting criminal matters across courts such as the High Court of Australia, Supreme Court, District Court, and more. Our work addresses complex and sensitive legal matters, ensuring justice is upheld with professionalism and integrity.
About the location
Cairns is a vibrant regional city in Far North Queensland, known for its tropical lifestyle, proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, and strong tourism, agriculture, and marine industries. It offers a relaxed yet dynamic environment, ideal for professionals seeking work-life balance in a stunning natural setting.
About your opportunity
This is a temporary, flexible full-time role for 12 months, with the possibility of extension, to lead a new legal chamber in the Cairns region. As a Practice Manager, your key responsibilities will include:
• Managing a caseload of complex criminal law matters and attending court events as required.
• Overseeing legal officers' workloads to ensure timely presentation of indictments.
• Establishing and maintaining processes for case file allocation and court responsibilities, including circuit courts.
• Monitoring and reporting on key performance indicators for chamber workloads and outputs.
• Developing and improving systems and processes for effective chamber management.
• Supervising and leading the chamber team, in consultation with the Principal Crown Prosecutor, to deliver high-quality prosecution services.
• Building and maintaining effective networks, consulting, and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring high-quality victim liaison services, applying a trauma-informed approach to victims of violent and sexual offences.
• Supporting and participating in learning and development opportunities within the chamber and the broader Office.
• Maintaining strong legal knowledge and a thorough understanding of Queensland Courts' practice directions.
What we're looking for
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced legal professional who:
• Possesses strong criminal law expertise, demonstrated legal practice experience, and the ability to advocate effectively in the Magistrates and/or higher courts.
• Demonstrates leadership capabilities, with experience in supervising, managing, and motivating multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality services.
• Has knowledge (or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge) of Queensland Public Sector employment conditions, including relevant directives and guidelines.
• Displays excellent stakeholder engagement and interpersonal communication skills, with an empathetic approach to managing staff and clients.
• Can lead or contribute to organisational initiatives and reviews to improve outcomes for the ODPP and the community.
• Excels in written communication, with the ability to analyse data and produce reports that identify risks/issues and propose effective strategies.
• Understands trauma-informed practice, the Charter of Victims' Rights, and the needs of victims of crime.
• Upholds professional and ethical standards, with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.
Mandatory requirements
You will be admitted as a Legal Practitioner in a State of Territory of Australia (please indicate date of admission).
Why join us?
This is more than a role; it's your opportunity to make a genuine difference in the community. Think you're ready for the challenge?
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/682511/26
Closing Date: Monday, 30th March 2026
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.
