Careers
A career in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) will provide you with a rewarding experience working in an interesting, challenging and diverse environment. As an employee, you will have opportunities to assist in the prosecution of South Australia’s most serious criminal matters.
We’re committed to providing:
- a comprehensive induction program
- ongoing professional development
- a flexible working environment to help staff balance work and life responsibilities
- an inclusive work environment that embraces diversity.
Most of our vacancies are listed on the IWORKFORSA (external site) website.
Some high-level positions are advertised here.
Contact the ODPP with your career enquiry or express your interest in upcoming opportunities
Read or download our brochure on starting a legal career at the ODPP
Testimonials
Student placements
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions provides a range of learning opportunities for tertiary students each year.
Information: Information: We are only able to provide placements or work experience to students currently studying at university - not high school students.
The ODPP Summer Clerkship is an 8 week program offering law students in their final years an opportunity to gain practical legal experience within a legal environment.
Each year placements are offered to high achieving law students with good interpersonal skills, relevant work experience and excellent references.
What you will learn
Students will have the opportunity to:
- experience a criminal legal practice organisation
- improve skills in drafting and undertaking legal research
- observe file and case management practices
- assist in client matters (under supervision)
- review and prepare summaries of court proceedings.
Successful students will receive a salary as an ASO1 third year adult for the duration of the program.
Upcoming opportunities
The Summer Clerkship Program commences in late November and concludes in January.
| Summer clerkship dates | Closing date for applications |
|---|---|
16 November 2026 to 22 January 2027 (Unpaid leave / Christmas break 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027) | 15 August 2026 |
The clerkship concludes in time for students to attend the first practical legal training program offered by the respective PLT providers.
Information: Information: Only students in their final years of tertiary law studies are eligible for this program.
Applications
Applicants are required to provide a short summary outlining why you are interested in completing your placement with the ODPP as well as your academic and personal achievements and relevant legal work experience.
Applications received should showcase your interpersonal skills, ambition and passion for the law.
What to attach:
- an up-to-date curriculum vitae
- copy of your current academic transcript
- contact details of two current referees.
Applications can be sent via email to ODPPCareers@sa.gov.au.
When applying for a clerkship, students must be aware that they will be exposed either directly or indirectly to confidential, sensitive, confronting or distressing material including photographs, written descriptions and other evidentiary material.
The ODPP offers Practical Legal Training (PLT) placements to students completing their Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
What you will learn
Students will have the opportunity to:
- experience a criminal legal practice organisation
- improve skills in drafting and undertaking legal research
- observe file and case management practices
- assist in client matters (under supervision)
- review and prepare summaries of court proceedings.
The PLT is not a paid program.
Upcoming opportunities
Placements are offered 3 times a year for a period of 3 or 6 weeks, as per the guidelines set by the Law Society.
Placement dates | Application closing date |
|---|---|
| 9 February 2026 to 20 March 2026 (Public Holiday 9 March 2026) | CLOSED |
| 27 April 2026 to 5 June 2026 | CLOSED |
| 10 August 2026 to 18 September 2026 | 27 June 2026 |
Only students currently undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice are eligible for this program.
Placement opportunities are available for students completing the requirements in South Australian and other interstate universities.
Applications
Applicants are required to provide a short summary outlining why you are interested in completing your placement with the ODPP as well as your academic and personal achievements and relevant legal work experience.
Applications received should showcase your interpersonal skills, ambition and interests in the law.
What to attach:
- an up-to-date curriculum vitae
- copy of your current academic transcript
- contact details of two current referees.
Applications can be sent via email to ODPPCareers@sa.gov.au.
When applying for a PLT placement, students must be aware that they will be exposed either directly or indirectly to confidential, sensitive, confronting or distressing material including photographs, written descriptions and other evidentiary material.
The ODPP provides social work placements in the Witness Assistance Team for final year students studying either a Bachelor or Masters of Social Work.
Placements are negotiated with universities on an annual basis.
Speak with the field education placement coordinator at your university for more information.
The ODPP offers a limited number of positions for tertiary students studying law to undertake one week of voluntary work experience.
Work experience is not the same as the Practical Legal Training (PLT) or Summer Clerkship programs.
What you will learn
Students will have the opportunity to:
- attend and witness trials in progress
- prepare authorities and undertake legal research
- review and prepare summaries of court proceedings.
Upcoming opportunities
Placement dates | Application closing date |
|---|---|
13 April 2026 to 17 April 2026 | CLOSED |
6 July 2026 to 10 July 2026 | 12 June 2026 |
Only tertiary students in their penultimate or final year of law are eligible for this program.
Applications
Applicants are required to provide a short summary, outlining why you are interested in work experience with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. You should also include your academic and personal achievements and any relevant legal work experience.
Applications can be sent via email to ODPPCareers@sa.gov.au.
When applying for a work experience placement, students must be aware that they will be exposed either directly or indirectly to confidential, sensitive, confronting or distressing material including photographs, written descriptions and other evidentiary material.