ODPP launches First Nations Legal Mentoring Program

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is calling for applications for its new First Nations Legal Mentoring Program.

The Program, open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers and law students throughout NSW, will match mentees with skilled and experienced Crown Prosecutors. The mentoring relationship will provide opportunities for mentees to learn and develop as legal professionals, as well as giving them a forum to explore other facets of legal practice including wellbeing, worklife balance, time management, court expectations, networking, career progression and culturally specific matters.

The 2023 Program will run from May to December and is open to First Nations solicitors and barristers, and students currently undertaking a Bachelor or Master of Law or Diploma in Law.

The ODPP has offices in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Penrith, Campbelltown, Wollongong, Newcastle, Gosford, Lismore, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga. Each office can accommodate mentoring relationships.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Sally Dowling SC, said the mentorship program was established as part of the ODPP’s commitment to improving employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to becoming an employer of choice for First Nations lawyers.

“As a workplace and an organisation, we recognise and value the histories and cultures of First Nations peoples,” Ms Dowling said. “This Program will contribute to the professional development of First Nations lawyers and bring the benefit of their skills, experience and insights to the ODPP.”

Applications for the Program close on 24 April 2023. For further information about the Program and applicants’ eligibility, please contact: rap@odpp.nsw.gov.au.