ODPP Private Briefing Panel 2023

29/05/2023

Applications are sought from junior counsel for inclusion on the Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) Private Briefing Panel.

Current panel members should apply for re-appointment.

Suitability to be added to the panel will be assessed on the following factors:

• Experience in the conduct of criminal trials;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the criminal law and laws of evidence; and
• Appreciation of the role of a criminal prosecutor.

The panel will have a lifespan of 12 months, which may be extended as required.

Counsel briefed for the Director are likely to be briefed in matters involving First Nations witnesses and vulnerable witnesses, including children and people with cognitive impairments. In accordance with our Reconciliation Action Plans, the Director is committed to ensuring that counsel that appear for her have a basic level of cultural awareness and competency.

The ODPP has developed various resources to help counsel to work effectively with these witnesses, which are available to all private counsel selected for the private briefing panel. Regular sessions are conducted by the ODPP on ‘Introduction to Aboriginal Cultural Awareness’ and ‘Communicating Effectively with Aboriginal People’. Training on best practice in conferencing and leading evidence from vulnerable witnesses is also available.

Applicants for the private briefing panel who have training, experience or other expertise in working with vulnerable witnesses are encouraged to identify this in their applications.

An information sheet, which provides greater detail about the Panel and selection criteria can be downloaded here.

Applications will close on 30 June 2023 and must be submitted via the ODPP Private Briefing Panel here.

---