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What’s it like to be a public prosecutor? Fighting for social justice

Published:
19 Sep 2023
News
What’s it like to be a public prosecutor? Fighting for social justice

For most of us our perception of a public prosecutor’s job is what we see on TV, often typecast as the opposing counsel in a protagonist’s fight… But in reality, public prosecutors play an integral role in the system of justice. Without public prosecutors, crimes against the community cannot be tried. Internationally, the United Nations relies on prosecutors to perform a crucial role: 

They are the 'gate keepers' of criminal justice, insofar as without their initiative there cannot be the prosecution and repression of crimes. Prosecution services are, in fact, society's principal means of pursuing punishment of criminal behaviour and its interface with the adjudicative power. 

In Australia, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) has been Australia’s Federal prosecution agency for close to 40 years. The CDPP holds a wide and diverse mandate covering criminal offences including environmental vandalism and exploitation of government programs to online child exploitation, human trafficking, and terrorism offences. Issues facing everyday Australians from major data breaches to the outcomes from a Royal Commission, all sit with the CDPP.  

For young lawyers there are a vast number of career paths on offer, but for those who want to have an impact in the field of criminal law, a career with the CDPP may be what you are looking for. Unique and cutting-edge cases are par for the course when working at the CDPP, an environment Eliza Amparo, Acting Deputy Director at the CDPP, describes as “dynamic, intellectually stimulating and rewarding”.  

We spoke to Eliza Amparo to lift the veil on the life of a public prosecutor, a pathway she says will offer world-class training and an inspiring career. 

 

The CDPP works in Specialised Practice Groups 

The first thing Eliza would like lawyers to understand is that the CDPP is organised into specialised practice groups that focus on different crime types. There is an opportunity to work across a diverse range of cases across these Practice Groups. 

You can prosecute corporate, taxation and corruption offences; organised and transnational crime and national security; human exploitation; or a range of fraud-related offences alongside specialist agencies,” Eliza explains. “You'll have the opportunity to work in different practice groups, allowing you to explore various areas of interest.” 

In the realm of Organised Crime and National Security, Eliza has dealt with some of the most notable cases involving transnational crime, money laundering and national security threats including counter terrorism and foreign interference cases. These cases required a meticulous approach, careful analysis of the evidence, the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of professionals. 

During my time in the fraud branch, I tackled a broad spectrum of fraud-related offences. These cases demanded a keen eye for detail and the ability to decipher complex financial transactions. My close work with specialist agencies and application of technical knowledge and expertise in the field had resulted in the successful prosecution of numerous individuals and organisations involved in fraudulent activities.” 

Eliza is currently working on Human Exploitation and Border Protection cases which involve combatting and prosecuting human trafficking, online child sex exploitation, cybercrime and drug importation offences.  

By working closely with partner agencies and law enforcement, this work contributes to the protection of the vulnerable by bringing offenders to justice,” Eliza says. “The CDPP’s dedicated victim and witness assistance team provide support to victims throughout the challenging prosecution process.” 

 

At the forefront of innovation and tech 

Early adoption of the latest technological innovations in the legal space and putting them into practice is an approach the CDPP is committed to. 

“Throughout my career with the CDPP I have witnessed firsthand the organisation’s commitment to innovation and embracing technological advancements,” Eliza explains. “From electronic briefs of evidence to e-trials, the CDPP has been at the forefront of adopting digital solutions to enhance efficiency and streamline processes. This forward-thinking approach has allowed the CDPP to adapt to the evolving landscape of criminal law, ensuring they remain agile and effective in their pursuit of justice.” 

The CDPP ensures it is up to date with innovations and advancements in relevant technology. The Office is currently designing an evidence management system that can handle the vast amounts of evidence received from its partner agencies. The CDPP also focuses on capability uplift for staff and partner agencies, enhancements to processes and a range of support for its people. 

 

A unique legal environment with a passionate and supportive culture 

What sets the CDPP apart is not only the breadth of cases but the people who form its foundation. The strong sense of camaraderie and the sense of belonging that permeate the organisation is amazing,” Eliza says. “Working alongside a committed and friendly group of professionals you'll find support, collaboration and an environment that fosters personal and professional growth. The CDPP believes that together, as a team, we can achieve extraordinary outcomes.” 

Another aspect of working with the CDPP to take note of is its flexible working arrangements. Understanding the diverse needs and commitments of its employees, the CDPP promotes a healthy work-life balance and encourages flexible work arrangements. This flexibility not only enhances productivity and well-being but also encourages a culture of trust and empowerment. 

Working at the CDPP has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me,” Eliza shares. “The opportunities for growth, the diverse range of cases and the unwavering commitment to justice by our staff have made every day meaningful.  

If you're a passionate lawyer seeking a challenging and fulfilling career, I highly encourage you to join the CDPP. Here you'll have the chance to make a real difference in society, work alongside brilliant minds and be part of a team dedicated to upholding the rule of law.”

 

National opportunities

With offices in each capital city, as well as Townsville and Cairns, the CDPP operates as a national office. It provides online resources and detailed policies tailored to deal with different offence provisions, ensuring that young lawyers receive support and guidance.  

The CDPP offers bespoke prosecutor training in managing complex litigation. It also provides regular continuing professional development training sessions to build legal and technical skills as well as keep their lawyers’ practical skills fresh.  

The public prosecution path can provide aspiring lawyers with an opportunity to cultivate their passion for criminal law, foster meaningful connections and work on diverse and impactful cases.  

Whether it's fighting against human exploitation, dismantling organised crime networks, or prosecuting fraud-related crimes, the CDPP offers an avenue that can make tangible differences to the lives of individuals and communities.  

 

About Eliza Amparo: 

Eliza Amparo, Acting Deputy Director at the CDPP, embodies the career trajectory young lawyers can experience within the organisation. Beginning her journey as a junior prosecutor in a general prosecutions and fraud branch, she then moved into other diverse practice groups, including the challenging area of Organised Crime and National Security (OCNS) and the pivotal Human Exploitation and Border Protection (HEBP) practice group, where she currently serves as the national Practice Group Leader. She has been involved in criminal cases heard at all levels of the court hierarchy, demonstrating the vast learning opportunities and professional growth available at the CDPP.  

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Insights explores the issue of when lawyers decide to take a temporary break from the law, and what both lawyers and employers can do help experienced legal professionals return to the profession.

NSW introduces combined Succession & Probate Lists: Key Updates

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NSW introduces combined Succession & Probate Lists: Key Updates

Recently, the Supreme Court of New South Wales introduced combined Succession & Probate Lists, applicable to family provision claims and contested probate applications. Queensland is also trialling a Wills and Estates List and there are likely to be further implications for other jurisdictions. We spoke to College of Law Lecturer Josephine Pignataro, Special Counsel at HWL Ebsworth, about what you need to know and how this will impact your practice.

REVEALED: The College’s most popular on-demand CPD short courses for 2024

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REVEALED: The College’s most popular on-demand CPD short courses for 2024

To prepare you for what’s next, let’s unpack the College of Law’s 5 most popular on-demand CPD Digital Subscription courses. It’s the best way to keep your skills sharp – and your mind engaged.

From procrastination to passion

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From procrastination to passion

Overcoming procrastination is quite simple: passion. There must be an internal desire, not dependent on anything except ourselves. That’s why we enable our learners to choose the courses and practice areas that matter most to them - from family law to advocacy - we’re helping lawyers reclaim their power and focus on the areas that they are passionate about.

Your Guide to a Career in Legal Operations

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Your Guide to a Career in Legal Operations

In Australia, the legal profession is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and complex demands from clients and employers. Legal operations professionals, not necessarily with legal backgrounds, are pivotal in integrating new technologies, project management, and process improvements to meet modern market needs.

Nationally Accredited Mediator Training Course Guide

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Nationally Accredited Mediator Training Course Guide

Download our Nationally Accredited Mediator Training handbook, if you are considering adding mediation to your skill set. Inside you'll find everything you need to know about the course.

Vale Kay Smith

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Vale Kay Smith

On Monday 15 August 2016, Kay Smith, one of The College of Law’s longest serving and most respected people died after a short illness.

Kay’s legal career began when she gained her qualification in Law through the NSW Legal Practitioners Admission Board. Kay then obtained a position as an articled clerk with a city firm at a time when there were very few openings for women in the legal profession. She was admitted as a solicitor and established a legal career. She moved from private practice to the College of Law in 1983 – the start of a 30 year career at the College.

A Guide to Cross-Qualifying as an Australian Lawyer in the UK

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A Guide to Cross-Qualifying as an Australian Lawyer in the UK

The College delves into the key requirements, steps involved, and potential challenges of cross-qualifying as an Australian lawyer in the UK. We spoke to Duha Al Hassnawi, an Australian foreign lawyer based in London, for her insights on the dual qualification process. Duha is currently enrolled in The College of Legal Practice’s SQE1 prep course.

Dispute Resolution Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

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Dispute Resolution Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

Download the Dispute Resolution Postgraduate Course Guide to learn how our program can equip you with essential skills to resolve conflicts effectively and build a rewarding career in this growing field.

Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration Practice Course Guide

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Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration Practice Course Guide

Download the Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration Practice Course Guide and unlock the skills needed to navigate complex, cross-border legal disputes with confidence and efficiency.

Property Law Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

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Property Law Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

Download the Property Law Postgraduate Course Guide and discover how our specialised program can help you build expertise and thrive in this dynamic field.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Law Guide

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Graduate Certificate in Applied Law Guide

Looking to boost your legal career but not ready to dive into a Master of Laws (LLM)?
 
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Law might be the answer.
 
Offering a flexible and affordable way to upskill, the Graduate Certificate is a popular option for busy legal professionals looking to sharpen their skills or master a particular field.
 
Download this course guide to receive more information. 
How to have the career you want with John Poulsen

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How to have the career you want with John Poulsen

How do you transcend the daily grind to do work you love? When can a career become a calling? What steps can you take to achieve the career you want? We spoke to John Poulsen, former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs and Principal of People Passion Performance, for his insights on getting the career you want informed by an illustrious career in law and leadership.

50 years of expertise in one CPD solution

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50 years of expertise in one CPD solution

For 50 years, the College of Law has led the way in practical legal education.

We stand in our own lane – empowering practitioners to become the best lawyers they can be. How? With innovative, hands-on training that evolves with the demands of the legal profession.

Our CPD Digital Subscription is built on this legacy.

Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

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Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

Bias and age-based discrimination remains an issue in the workforce, despite legal protections. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of age bias claims with Tilé Imo, Associate Director of Caxton Legal Centre. We explore the evolving legal landscape, effective strategies for litigating age discrimination cases, and the emerging trends that lawyers need to be aware of to best serve their clients.

Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

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Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

Major changes are coming that will impact the family law system and the way practitioners operate in Australia. The Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 is currently under debate in parliament and after its third reading, it is now under review with the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. The College of Law will provide legal training support when the Family Law Amendment Bill commences, but in the meantime, we spoke with College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley to find out about the most important changes.  

Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

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Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

The College of Law recognised over 200 graduates of its Postgraduate Specialisation Programs at the 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony on 1 August. These awards included the Master of Laws (Applied Law), Master of Applied Law (Family Law), Graduate Diplomas of Applied Law and Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP).

How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

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How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

Embarking on a legal career in local, state, or federal government can be an exciting move. There are many pathways for development, a broad range of practice areas, and often a healthy work-life balance. These roles are highly rewarding, and highly competitive, the College of Law tells you everything you need to know about landing a government job in law.

The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

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The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

We talk to the College of Law’s Adrian Deans, Academic Policy & Quality, James Crittenden, Head of Short Courses and CPD, and Lewis Patrick, Chief Academic Officer, about some of the pragmatic impacts of the Queen’s passing on the law and Australian legal profession.

3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

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3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

Parting ways in a relationship is never easy, and family lawyers are generally the first professional separating couples encounter when they end a relationship. For all of these reasons Angela Harbinson created The Separation Guide, which aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful.

Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

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Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

Starting a business is never easy. What step should you take first? How do you negotiate the ins and outs of your legal requirements if you’re not a lawyer? Even for a seasoned lawyer these steps are complicated…And what if you also face unique cultural considerations and complexities?

Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

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Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

There’s no doubt the legal sector can be an intense work environment. Thanks to heavy caseloads and fierce competition, lawyers and other legal professionals are facing stress, anxiety and burnout on a concerning scale. But according to executive transition coach and CEO at Lucent Global, Ellie Scarf, it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s one tool that can help you manage a plethora of professional challenges. That tool? Self-awareness.

5 tips on how to avoid common ethical breaches for lawyers with Athol Opas

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5 tips on how to avoid common ethical breaches for lawyers with Athol Opas

The law is a complex field heavily reliant on knowledge, interpretation and advice. This makes for a profession that can have far reaching consequences and, as a result, lawyers are held to high standards. Athol Opas presents annual ethics updates to firms to keep them abreast of recent cases of misconduct and/or common ethical breaches. We spoke to Athol to find out about the most common ethical breaches lawyers should be mindful of and to gain his top tips on complying within ethical obligations. 

What are the top negligence claims facing lawyers today?

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What are the top negligence claims facing lawyers today?

The College of Law investigates which legal practice areas are most at risk of negligence claims and why. We spoke to Lawcover’s Legal Risk Manager Glenda Carry about the practice areas most affected by negligence claims, what behaviours can lead to adverse claims by clients, and what risk mitigation strategies law practices can put in place.

From LLB to Parliament – Australia’s Politicians-Turned-Lawyers

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From LLB to Parliament – Australia’s Politicians-Turned-Lawyers

Australia’s recent change in leadership has set the nation’s eyes on Malcolm Turnbull. Over the coming weeks and months, the newly appointed 29th Prime Minister will reveal his mettle as a national leader.

From ballroom dancing to the law: Meet PLT alum Helena Angela Hanna

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From ballroom dancing to the law: Meet PLT alum Helena Angela Hanna

While completing her law degree and Practical Legal Training with the College of Law, Helena Hanna also kept up with her interests outside of studies. Learn more about Helena and her law degree experience.

How to merge your love of music with your legal career: Chelsea's story

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How to merge your love of music with your legal career: Chelsea's story

Learn how Chelsea Donoghue merged her lot of arts and law: How she managed her study while on world tours, what she loves most about her work at Sanicki Lawyers, and what’s next.

Graduates and prize winners recognised in June ceremony

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Graduates and prize winners recognised in June ceremony

Graduates and prize winners celebrated their achievements, received their awards and honours remotely due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions.

How AI is being used in Family Law

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How AI is being used in Family Law

To understand where legal AI use cases are showing up within family law, the College spoke with two highly experienced practitioners who have incorporated AI into their legal practice in different ways. Fiona Kirkman, principal at Kirkman Family Law, embraced ChatGPT early on in her practice, while Jenna Downy, solicitor at Family Law Matters, helped train LawY, an AI legal research assistant.

How to exit your job gracefully in law

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How to exit your job gracefully in law

For the 1 in 4 Australian lawyers considering leaving their job, the current job market is tipped in their favour. However, Australia’s legal profession is tight-knit and relatively small, so reputation matters. If you are leaving your role for fresh challenges, here are our top tips on how to exit your job gracefully in law, from the College of Law’s National Careers Advisors Ruth Beran and Susan Pincus.

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