ODPP Work Experience Placement Program
The ODPP WEPP offers students the opportunity to gain direct experience in criminal law. Students interested in applying for the WEPP must have a genuine interest in criminal law, demonstrate they can work both in a team and autonomously, have highly developed written and oral communication skills and are in at least their second year of a law degree or are completing Practical Legal Training (PLT).
The ODPP has the ability to host students in a number of locations including Brisbane, Beenleigh, Cairns, Ipswich, Maroochydore, Rockhampton, Southport, Toowoomba and Townsville.
About the WEPP
- The ODPP WEPP is a four-week, full-time, unpaid placement.
- Students will be allocated to a Chamber (work unit either in Brisbane or a regional location) for the duration of their placement.
- Students should note that reimbursement of travel costs associated with participation will not be paid by the ODPP or the university.
The program offers students the opportunity to:
- Experience the professional environment of a busy criminal law practice.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the ODPP and its role and functions within the criminal justice system.
- Work alongside and learn from some of the most senior and experienced criminal lawyers and barristers in Queensland.
- Assess their own performance and gain insight into their ‘professional self’.
- Gain an insight into the preparation of real criminal cases.
- Be involved in a range of activities – from opening and closing files, preparation for mentions and callovers to accompanying prosecutors to Court.
What the ODPP look for:
- Have an interest in criminal law.
- Demonstrate you can work in a team and autonomously.
- Have highly developed written and oral communication skills.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions intends to host three WEPP intakes this year held over Winter, Spring and Summer.
| Intake | WEPP Dates | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 17 November 2025 - 12 December 2025 | 5pm, 3 October 2025 |
Applications are due to UQ BEL Careers and Employability for the Summer program by 5pm Friday 3 October 2025.
- Complete the WEPP Application Form (DOCX, 146.5 KB)
- Compile the following in a single PDF document:
- WEPP Application Form
- Current CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Academic Transcript
- Submit your single PDF document via StudentHub by 5pm Friday 3 October 2025.
Priscilla Gyasi-Agyei
Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Commerce
“I applied for the ODPP Summer Work Experience Placement Program because, after completing the Criminal Law course, I developed a greater appreciation of criminal law. I wanted to understand the criminal justice system in depth and gain insight into working in criminal law.
During the placement, I had the opportunity to attend Magistrates Court and Mental Health Court hearings and District and Supreme Court trials. I was able to observe various stages of trials, such as jury selection, cross examination, and sentence. I was also able to assist with instructing in court, alongside a Crown Prosecutor. Apart from attending court, I opened files, which involved corresponding with defence lawyers and Queensland Police; I was also involved in file preparation and closing.
I benefited from working in a collaborative and welcoming environment with Legal Support Officers, Legal Officers and Crown Prosecutors. I also learned about other ODPP units, including Victim Liaison, Confiscations, and Records. I enjoyed being immersed in a criminal law environment. This allowed me to quickly learn practical aspects of the criminal law that I would not have otherwise been exposed to.
I would recommend other students to consider the ODPP Work Experience Placement Program because it will allow them to encounter the practical side of criminal law and to be exposed to a wide variety of criminal law matters. It is a very diverse experience, which allows students to engage in discussions with fellow students and lawyers and correspond with police and defence. Before participating in the program, I would recommend gaining a basic understanding of court protocols to assist when attending court.”