Solicitor

North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service
Darwin NT

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Job Details

Full-time
$100,776 - $114,069 a year
4 days ago

Benefits

Travel reimbursement
Parental leave

Qualifications

Driver Licence
Working with Children Check
Communication skills

Full Job Description

Posted on: 21 May, 2026
SCHADS Award Level: Classification Level 5
Job location: Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy
Remuneration: Salary $100,776.00 to $105,340.56 per annum (dependent on experience). Equivalent salary range with packaging approx. $109,505to $114,069 per annum. As a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) NAAFLS can offer up to $15,899 per annum of the salary, Tax-free as a fringe benefit (conditions apply).
Hours of work: Monday to Friday - 8.15am to 4.21pm with 30mins lunch break
Employment Type: Full-time ongoing position (subject to funding)
Superannuation: 12%
Leave Entitlement: 6 weeks per annum plus 17.5% leave loading
Reports To: Principal Legal Officer
Information for Applicants: Additional benefits include: Time off in Lieu of Overtime, Wellbeing leave (conditions apply), Travel Allowance, Annual individual training allowance, Paid parental leave applicable to Primary or Secondary Carer (6 weeks’ paid after 12 months service), Study Leave, Defence Leave.
Additional Information: Mandatory employment requirements: Obtain a working with children clearance (WWCC), Obtain a clear Criminal History Check, Possess a current ‘C’ Class NT Drivers Licence. Conditions of Employment: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, National Employment Standards, Fair Work Act.

ABOUT NAAFLS

NAAFLS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and independent Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS).

We are the only victim-based Aboriginal legal service in remote communities in the Top End region of the NT.

We have offices in Darwin (Larrakia land), Katherine (Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman land) and Nhulunbuy (Yolŋu land), and service over 40 remote communities within the Top End region spanning from the Tiwi Islands down to Lajamanu, Wadeye across to Borroloola. We provide culturally sensitive legal advice, assistance, representation, and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Top End communities who have experienced domestic, family, and sexual violence.

We offer a holistic and culturally appropriate model of service which sets us apart, seeking practical community-based solutions to the most complex legal problems.

Our primary practice areas are family law, child protection, and domestic violence; though we frequently intervene in coronial inquiries, parliamentary inquiries, and other administrative or criminal proceedings as required.

SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL (ESSENTIAL TO ROLE)

NAAFLS operates a bicultural, integrated service delivery model, where Solicitors work in partnership with Aboriginal Case Workers to provide holistic, culturally safe and client-centred services.

This model recognises that:

Legal expertise and cultural knowledge are equally critical to effective service delivery
Client outcomes are strengthened through collaborative, team-based practice
Services must be trauma-informed, culturally safe and responsive to community context

The Solicitor is responsible for delivering high-quality legal services within this partnership model, and for working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal colleagues and communities. Teams consist of a Solicitor and Case Worker who provide a wraparound holistic service to our clients to ensure they are fully supported through their journey.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

1. Bicultural and Integrated Legal Practice

Deliver high-quality legal advice, casework and representation in active partnership with Case Workers
Ensure legal strategies are informed by cultural context, client needs and safety considerations
Contribute to a holistic, client-centred approach that integrates legal and non-legal supports.

2. Legal Practice Excellence

Provide accurate, timely and ethical legal advice and representation across family law, domestic violence, child protection and related areas
Prepare court documents, submissions and evidence to a high professional standard
Maintain responsibility for legal decision-making and professional obligations under the supervision delegations

3. Supervision, Governance and Accountability

Work within NAAFLS’ legal supervision framework, including file reviews, sign-off requirements and escalation processes
Identify and appropriately manage legal risk, including seeking guidance where required
Ensure compliance with professional standards, organisational policies and funding obligations.

4. Community Engagement and Cultural Safety

Participate in community visits and court circuits, working respectfully within local cultural protocols
Support the development and delivery of culturally relevant Community Legal Education (CLE) in partnership with Case Workers
Build and maintain respectful relationships with clients, communities and stakeholders.

5. Systems, Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Maintain accurate, timely and compliant client files and data records
Contribute to the development and improvement of legal practice systems, policies and procedures
Support consistent, high-quality service delivery across the organisation
Promote and maintain safe work practices in accordance with NAAFLS WH&S Policies and Procedures.

6. Professional Development and Reflective Practice

Engage in ongoing legal and cultural professional development
Participate in supervision and reflective practice to strengthen service delivery
Actively contribute to a workplace culture aligned with organisational values.

7. Undertake other duties as directed by the PLO or CEO.

DUTIES

1. Bicultural and Team-Based Practice

Work in genuine partnership with Case Workers, including shared planning, decision-making and client engagement
Recognise and respect the role of cultural knowledge and community relationships in service delivery
Prepare for and undertake community trips collaboratively.

2. Legal Practice and Professional Standards

Conduct legal advice sessions, casework and representation
Draft legal documents, affidavits, submissions and correspondence
Manage files in accordance with legal and organisational requirements
Participate in regular file reviews and supervision processes.

3. Client-Centred and Trauma-Informed Practice

Deliver services in a way that promotes client safety, dignity and understanding
Adapt communication to meet client needs, including working with interpreters and Case Workers
Maintain appropriate confidentiality and ethical standards.

4. Community Engagement and CLE

Deliver CLE in partnership with Case Workers and relevant staff
Identify appropriate CLE topics based on community needs.

5. Systems, Compliance and Risk Management

Maintain accurate file notes, data entry and reporting
Comply with organisational policies including conflicts, confidentiality and information management
Identify and escalate legal or operational risks.

6. Culture and Values

Contribute to a respectful, culturally safe and collaborative workplace
Act in accordance with NAAFLS’ values and strategic direction

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

Hold, or be eligible to hold, a restricted or unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory
Admitted to the High Court of Australia (applications can be commenced upon application)
Minimum of 2 years demonstrated post qualification experience (PQE) in family law, domestic violence and/or child protection.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a bicultural or cross-cultural service delivery model
Experience working in partnership with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander colleagues, and an understanding of the importance of cultural knowledge in service delivery.
Demonstrated ability to deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe and accessible legal services, particularly to clients experiencing family violence and disadvantage.
Sound legal knowledge and the ability to apply legal principles in complex and sensitive matters
Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgement, manage competing priorities and respond to risk.
Demonstrated ability to work within supervision and governance frameworks, including seeking guidance, participating in file review and responding to feedback
Understanding of professional and ethical obligations of legal practice.
High-level written and oral communication skills
Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible way
Proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully with Aboriginal communities, including in remote settings
Willingness and capacity to undertake regular remote travel.
High level of attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate legal files and data
Experience using electronic records management systems.
Current Working With Children Clearance (or ability to obtain)
National Criminal History Check
Current ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence
Ability to undertake overnight travel (2–4 days per trip, up to twice per month)

While NAAFLS is an equal opportunity employer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

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