Managing Criminal Lawyer – Darwin

Managing Criminal Lawyer

Fixed Term | Darwin | $161,246 to $182,012.75

Ideal Start Date: 17 August 2026

End Date: 8 October 2027

Lead with Impact. Advocate for Justice. Drive Change Across the Northern Territory.

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is seeking an experienced and passionate Managing Criminal Lawyer to lead our Darwin Criminal Law practice and play a key role in improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the Northern Territory.

This is more than a legal leadership role — it is an opportunity to mentor teams, shape practice standards, contribute to systemic reform and advocate for meaningful change in one of Australia’s most unique and rewarding legal environments.

About NAAJA

NAAJA provides legal assistance and justice services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Northern Territory. With offices in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, NAAJA is recognised nationally as a leading legal service and is committed to improving justice outcomes through advocacy, education and law reform.

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Up to $18,550 tax-free salary packaging
• Relocation Allowance (in accordance with Enterprise Agreement)
• 6 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
• 3 weeks personal leave
• A supportive, values-driven workplace
• Opportunity to lead and influence strategic legal practice

About the Role

As the Managing Criminal Lawyer, you will lead the Darwin Criminal Law practice and oversee the effective operation of a high-performing legal team delivering critical legal services across the region.

You will provide strategic leadership, supervise legal and non-legal staff, maintain high practice standards and deliver complex criminal advocacy while supporting broader law reform and justice initiatives.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and manage the Darwin Criminal Law practice
• Supervise, mentor and develop criminal lawyers and support staff
• Provide high-level criminal law advice and representation
• Conduct advocacy in complex criminal matters, including trials and appeals
• Coordinate workflows, court rosters and matter allocation
• Conduct file audits and ensure compliance obligations are met
• Identify systemic justice issues and contribute to advocacy and law reform initiatives
• Represent NAAJA in stakeholder meetings and public forums
• Travel to and participate in circuit (bush) courts where required
• Support strategic planning and service delivery improvements

What You’ll Bring

• Admission (or eligibility for admission) as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory
• Minimum 5 years post-admission experience in criminal law
• Extensive advocacy experience, including trial and appellate work
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising legal teams
• Strong understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the justice system
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organisational and leadership capability
• Current driver’s licence
• Ability to obtain an Ochre Card and satisfactory criminal history check

Why Join Us?

Lead a team. Influence justice outcomes. Create lasting change.

If you are an experienced criminal lawyer looking for an opportunity to combine leadership, advocacy and social impact, we encourage you to apply.

How to apply

Applicants for this position must submit a cover letter and resume addressing the essential criteria.

Enquiries can be sent to peopleandcapability@naaja.org.au. **Emailed applications will not be accepted**

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.