Senior Criminal Lawyer

Senior Criminal Lawyer

Location | Darwin

Salary | $125,503.91 to $134,371.98

Full time | 37.5 hours per week

About NAAJA

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency Ltd (NAAJA) provides legal assistance and justice services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory. With offices in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, NAAJA is recognised as a leading legal service and has received national and local human rights and crime prevention awards for its work.

We are committed to providing quality representation for our clients and driving long-term change in the justice system through law reform, advocacy, and education.

We Offer

• Competitive salaries ($125,503.91 to $134,371.98)
• 6 weeks annual leave + 17.5% loading, 3 weeks personal leave and more
• Salary packaging up to $18,550 tax free
• Professional development opportunities
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

About the Role

This is an opportunity to use your legal expertise where it matters most.

As a Senior Criminal Lawyer with NAAJA, you’ll provide high-quality legal representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients across a broad range of criminal matters while helping address the systemic issues contributing to overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.

Working as part of a committed and culturally diverse legal team, you’ll appear in the Local and Supreme Courts, mentor junior lawyers, contribute to law reform initiatives, and help deliver justice to some of the Northern Territory’s most vulnerable communities.

No two days are the same, with opportunities to travel to regional and remote communities and make a genuine difference through meaningful advocacy.

What You’ll Do

• Represent clients in the Local and Supreme Courts, including bail applications, committals, trials, and appeals
• Conduct complex criminal matters including trials, committals, appeals and bail applications.
• Deliver high-quality legal advice on complex criminal law issues
• Mentor and support junior lawyers and contribute to the professional growth of your team
• Participate in after-hours custody phone and duty lawyer services as required
• Contribute to law reform, policy development, and community legal education initiatives
• Uphold NAAJA’s values of excellence, respect, accountability, courage and innovation in all aspects of your work
• Travel to circuit (bush) courts to ensure access to justice for remote communities.
• Contribute to strategic litigation, law reform, community legal education and initiatives that address systemic disadvantage.
• Work collaboratively with legal, client service and administrative staff to achieve positive outcomes for clients.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for an experienced criminal lawyer who is passionate about advocacy and committed to improving access to justice.

You’ll bring:

• Admission (or eligibility for admission) as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues contributing to the disproportionate involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system
• Proven experience in criminal law advocacy, including trial and appellate work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
• High-level time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Willingness to travel to remote communities across the Northern Territory
• Current driver’s licence and ability to obtain a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card)

Why This Role Matters

Every day, NAAJA lawyers stand beside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at some of the most important moments in their lives.

Your advocacy won’t just influence individual cases, it will help shape fairer outcomes, strengthen communities, and contribute to addressing the systemic inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the justice system.

This is legal practice with purpose, where your work has a direct and lasting impact.

Use your legal skills to create real change. Join NAAJA’s Criminal Law team and make a lasting difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Apply Today

Be part of a legal team that walks with communities, not just for them.

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, addressing the essential criteria listed under “What You’ll Bring” and “What You’ll Do“.
• A current resume (CV) detailing your qualifications, experience and referees.

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

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