Description:
About NAAJA
The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency is a leading not-for-profit organisation that provides legal services and advocacy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory. NAAJA’s legal practice provides high quality, culturally proficient and accessible advice, casework and court advocacy in both criminal and civil law.
What we offer
- Salary packaging options up to $18,450 per annum tax free
- Remote allowance of $3,300 per annum (if applicable)
- Annual airfare allowance
- 6 weeks annual leave
- 3 weeks personal leave
- Relocation allowance
About the role
NAAJA’s civil law practice is an extremely busy and diverse one, with practice areas including police accountability, child protection, adult guardianship, consumer, discrimination, tenancy, social security and victims of crime assistance claims.
NAAJA’s police and prison accountability (PPA) practice group has been at the forefront of nation-leading litigation to preserve the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are incarcerated and subject to police misconduct.
The PPA senior lawyer will support the operation of the PPA practice group through conducting complex litigation, supervising legal staff and assisting with the management of the practice group.
The work requires high levels of motivation, energy and a commitment to professional excellence.
What you’ll be doing
- Provide advice to NAAJA clients on civil law issues. This includes conducting advice clinics in urban and remote areas.
- Undertake litigation and other casework in civil law in accordance with NAAJA’s priorities and guidelines as directed by the Civil Managing Lawyer and Deputy Managing Lawyers.
- Provide support to the Managing and Deputy Managing Lawyers in guiding NAAJA staff, training and induction of new and existing staff, and the development and implementation of Civil Section policies and procedures.
- Provide support to the Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs offices as agreed with the Managing Lawyer including but not limited to providing supervision support, attending remote trips and providing occasional presence in the regional offices
- In collaboration with the PPA team leader, lead the child protection practice group or such other practice areas as are agreed from time to time
What we’re looking for
- Demonstrated ability to undertake civil litigation and casework and provide civil law advice with limited supervision.
- Proven ability to mentor and/or supervise legal and non-legal staff.
- Ability to undertake overnight travel to, and to work in, all NAAJA offices and remote Aboriginal communities.
- Ability to identify policy/law reform issues of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory, including an awareness of current issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and understanding of their aspirations.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills including effective cross cultural communication skills, and willingness to work with cultural and language interpreters.
- Demonstrated ability to work constructively with a diverse team of legal and non-legal staff to achieve NAAJA’s goals.
- Well-developed time management skills including ability to meet deadlines and manage a diverse legal practice.
Requirements
- Current drivers licence
- Ability to obtain a satisfactory working with children clearance (Ochre Card) upon commencement
- Satisfactory criminal history check and no history of disqualification from employment by a legal practice
- Eligibility for admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and the High Court of Australia.
- Eligibility for an unrestricted practicing certificate in the Northern Territory.
How to apply
Applicants for this position must submit a cover letter and resume addressing the essential criteria.
Enquiries can be sent to hr@naaja.org.au. **Emailed applications not accepted**