The decision by John Champion, SC, follows a recent highly critical assessment of Craig Hyland, the solicitor for public prosecutions, by a judge of the Federal Circuit Court who censured him over his evidence and demeanour as a witness.

Judge Philip Burchardt described Mr Hyland's answers at times under cross-examination as "almost openly contemptuous" while his "entire demeanour suggested a certain disdain for the proceeding as a whole".

Judge Burchardt stressed that "not for an instant" did he suggest Mr Hyland, an "able and committed" person and an experienced, senior law officer, was untruthful in his evidence in a "witting way".

"Regrettably, I formed a somewhat negative impression of Mr Hyland," he said, adding that while unfortunate, he had "no reservation" in making the findings.

Mr Hyland manages the Office of Public Prosecutions, the state's largest criminal practice with a $60 million budget, on behalf of the DPP.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Champion said he was "pleased to advise" that he had reappointed Mr Hyland.

"Craig was in the role of solicitor when I arrived initially as acting director, and the period since then has been one of stability and sound management," Mr Champion said. "As a member of the Director's Committee, Craig has significantly contributed to the committee working productively and co-operatively."

The responsibilities of the committee, made up of Mr Champion and Chief Crown Prosecutor Gavin Silbert, SC, includes directions to Victoria Police and other investigative agencies in relation to offences referred to the DPP, deciding which OPP staff will appear in court and consultations over senior appointments or reappointments.

Fairfax Media earlier reported Judge Burchardt's remarks in a decision that found OPP solicitor Anthony Grant was stood down, investigated and then sacked by Mr Hyland over issues arising from his ill health.

Mr Grant claimed he was dismissed over a temporary absence because of illness or injury or that he was the subject of adverse action because of his physical or mental disability (depression), which the state (OPP) denied.

It argued he was was dismissed for misconduct.

Employed since 2007, he was sacked in 2012 by Mr Hyland who testified Mr Grant's illness formed no part of his reasons, and in cross-examination denied pursuing the issue of misconduct to avoid helping the lawyer with his health.

Judge Burchardt concluded that having seen Mr Hyland give evidence and heard him provide a particular answer "he is a man very used to being king of all he surveys" at the OPP.

The remarks were made under the heading of "observations" about witnesses.

The judge praised other witnesses called to give evidence, including senior OPP solicitors Stephen Bird and Mark Sabljak, but had "some qualifications" about Mr Grant.

In his findings on the facts, Judge Burchardt said despite "dark hints" that Mr Grant had difficulties with alcohol, he was a competent and unobjectionable employee, but whose constant lateness he treated "insouciantly", which was consistent with a "sense of entitlement".

Through 2011 his behaviour became "increasingly problematical", he said, and by 2012 he was unwell.

The judge did not accept Mr Hyland's evidence that there was nothing in two medical reports on Mr Grant that linked his behaviour with a medical opinion.

He found Mr Grant's conduct "arose wholly" from his condition and the OPP "well knew" of it.