Location: Darwin
Status: Full-time ongoing
Lead high-impact agreement-making that advances the rights and interests of Aboriginal Territorians.
About the role
This is a senior legal leadership role with direct responsibility for the Northern Land Council’s agreement-making practice. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will lead a team of senior lawyers, lawyers and professional staff delivering high-quality, culturally competent legal services across resources, energy and major projects under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the Native Title Act 1993.
You will take a leading role in native title agreement negotiations and implementation, contractual disputes and governance. Working closely with Traditional Owners, prescribed bodies corporate, Aboriginal Land Trusts, NLC leaders and multidisciplinary teams, you will help secure, protect and advance Aboriginal rights and interests in significant projects affecting land, sea and waters.
What you will do
You will oversee the day-to-day performance of the Agreements legal practice, set clear priorities and build a respectful, culturally safe and high-performing team. You will supervise complex negotiations and legal matters, develop practical systems and precedents, manage project budgets and resources, and ensure advice and agreement-making services are timely, strategic and legally sound. You will also prepare and oversee papers for the NLC’s Executive Council, Full Council, Regional Councils and native title holder bodies, while working collaboratively across the organisation to manage risk, resolve competing priorities and support informed decision-making.
What you will bring
You are an experienced legal practitioner and people leader who can progress complex matters with sound judgement, composure and a high level of autonomy. You combine strong commercial and legal capability with disciplined practice management, clear communication and a genuine commitment to culturally safe service delivery. You can build trusted relationships, lead through competing priorities and provide practical advice in a complex statutory and stakeholder environment.
To be successful, you will also have:
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A Bachelor of Laws or equivalent, with admission to legal practice in a Supreme Court of an Australian state or territory.
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At least five years’ post-admission experience in one or more of commercial contracting, native title, resources and energy, commercial dispute resolution, or environment and planning law.
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Proven experience leading and managing a professional team, including performance, conduct, capability and workforce matters.
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Cultural capability and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with Traditional Owners and within an Aboriginal-controlled organisation.
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A current C Class driver’s licence and the ability and willingness to travel remotely by manual 4WD vehicle or light aircraft.
For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.
What’s in it for you?
At the NLC, your legal leadership will contribute directly to work that matters: supporting Traditional Owners to protect their rights, negotiate strong agreements and pursue their aspirations for Country, culture and community. You will join a collegiate legal service, work on significant and varied matters, and can help to shape practice systems, develop legal capability and influence outcomes across the Top End.
What we offer
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Base salary: $170,000 plus 15% superannuation.
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Salary packaging up to $15,900, plus meal entertainment and holiday accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
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Generous leave provisions, including five weeks annual leave and 18 days personal leave.
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Paid Christmas closedown
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Professional growth, meaningful leadership responsibility and work with lasting impact.
How to apply
Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and the relevant legal, leadership and practice-management experience you would bring to the role. For the full requirements,
Priority consideration: The NLC is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. This is a prioritised position, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the selection requirements will be given priority consideration in accordance with the NLC’s Special Measures provisions and section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975
Enquiries: Please contact the General Counsel on 0409 048 147.
Applications close: 1 October 2026.
About the NLC
The Northern Land Council is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. The NLC serves Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal people across the Top End of the Northern Territory. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to our work. We support Aboriginal people’s social, political and economic participation, their aspirations, and their voices on matters affecting land, sea, culture and community.
