Public Defenders – Newcastle

10/10/2025

Sponsored

$325,380 p.a. plus 12% superannuation and $17,955 p.a. conveyance allowance

The NSW Attorney General is seeking applications for a Public Defender under the Public Defenders Act 1995, to be based in Newcastle.

Role: Public Defenders are specialist criminal law barristers who appear for disadvantaged (legally aided) defendants in serious criminal cases. They also provide leadership, education and advice to the legal profession and policy advice to government. The successful applicants will primarily appear in District Court trials but may also appear in Supreme Court trials and appeals to the NSWSC, NSWCCA, NSWCA and the High Court. Some travel is a requirement.

Term: After successful completion of a 12-month probationary period, appointments are for a fixed term of seven years, renewable.

Selection Criteria: Applicants must be an Australian lawyer, with advocacy experience in criminal trials. Detailed criteria are set out in the Guidelines for the appointment of Public Defenders at publicdefenders.nsw.gov.au

Application process: An application addressing the selection criteria, with a detailed curriculum vitae and the names of at least two referees, must be submitted online by 11.59 pm AEDST on Sunday, 12 October 2025: jobs.dcj.nsw.gov.au, (Job Reference Number 78203)

Enquiries: Richard Wilson SC, Senior Public Defender, (02) 9268 3111.

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