Senior Legal Officer

About the role

The Senior Legal Officer will join a specialised unit responsible for reviewing historical criminal prosecutions that are considered closed but are under review following the Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland. Working under the direction of a Principal Legal Officer, you will provide expert legal analysis and recommendations on impugned DNA evidence.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and implementation of a review framework for historical criminal cases and forensic DNA evidence, ensuring compliance with Queensland legislation and guidelines.
• Assist in developing project plans, schedules, and performance monitoring mechanisms, including key performance indicators.
• Conduct complex legal reviews of closed criminal prosecutions, liaising with Crown Prosecutors as required.
• Prepare detailed analytical reports with recommended outcomes for each case reviewed.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with courts, legal professionals, victims, families, and internal stakeholders to negotiate appropriate outcomes.
• Collaborate within a small, discreet team to deliver time‑sensitive outputs in a sensitive and contentious legal environment.

Required profile

• Mandatory admission, eligibility for immediate admission, or entitlement to practice as a legal practitioner in Queensland.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent qualification.
• Willingness to be exposed to potentially traumatic material during investigations.

Required skills