ABOUT THE ROLE
As a member of an interdisciplinary team in the Legal Unit of the Kimberley Land Council, the Senior Lawyer is responsible for the collaborative delivery of legal services in the Kimberley native title representative body area relating to the recognition, protection and management of native title rights and interests, protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage, commercial negotiations, and advising on corporate governance and compliance to prescribed bodies corporate. The Senior Lawyer represents native title parties in courts and tribunals, and in negotiations with future act proponents, and provides legal advice to prescribed bodies corporate on compliance under the Native Title Act 1993(Cth), Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006(Cth) and associated subordinate legislation. This position operates out of Broome KLC office with regular travel throughout the Kimberley region.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties
Work under the supervision of the Deputy Principal Lawyer and in consultation with other Senior Lawyers, Lawyers, the General Counsel, and Native Title Services Unit staff, to ensure effective delivery of legal services to native title parties and other clients throughout the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Provide high quality legal advice and representation to native title parties and other clients on matters relevant to the work and functions of the KLC and provide and/or oversee the provision of legal advice and services to native title parties throughout the Kimberley region in relation to:
a native title claims, compensation claims, and related proceedings before the Federal Court of Australia;
b future act activities under the Native Title Act, including representation of clients before the National Native Title Tribunal;
c the protection of Aboriginal heritage sites and areas of significance under the State and Commonwealth Aboriginal heritage laws;
d negotiation of land use agreements;
e corporate structures and governance;
f the performance of KLC's representative body functions; and
g other matters relevant to the aspirations and needs of Aboriginal people of the Kimberley, consistent with the KLC's objectives.
Attend, advise and take instructions from clients including at directors' meetings, native title holders' meetings, claim group meetings and other forums as appropriate.
Supervise, mentor, and support junior practitioners.
Maintain an awareness of all relevant case law and legislation.
Maintain legal files and records to industry standards and in accordance with KLC systems and processes.
Occupational Safety and Health
7.Prioritise and manage the continuous improvement of safe working practices, processes and policies across unit activities.
Actively contribute to the health and safety of the workplace by adhering to all health and safety policies and procedures.
Compliance Comply with all internal KLC policies and procedures and ensure the team's adherence;
10. Demonstrate and role model the KLC's Vision and Values.
Other
11. Perform any other duties consistent with the above as directed from time to time by the Principal Lawyer and Deputy Principal Lawyer.
SELECTION CRITERIA
**Please provide a written response to the below selection criteria. Applications failing to do so will not be considered*
Essential:
Have experience in native title law and related areas such as cultural heritage, environmental law, contract law, mining law, renewable energy, or nature repair activities, including carbon farming.
Have experience in litigation or mediation before courts and tribunals.
Are admitted, or immediately eligible for admission, as a barrister or solicitor in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia.
Possess good communication skills and the capacity to liaise effectively with Aboriginal people, government departments, regulators and members of the public including community groups.
Have a minimum of five years' experience in legal practice.
Are self-motivated and work cooperatively and effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Have experience in the Federal Court and tribunals.
Have experience mentoring and supervising junior practitioners.
Are prepared to travel in the course of work, including by air.
Possess a current manual driver's licence.
Please note: the willingness to undergo Police and Working with Children Checks are essential requirements for this role.
HOW TO APPLY
Hit that pink "Quick Apply" button.
Upload a copy of your current resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria.
For further information about us, visit our website,
APPLICATIONS TO BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5PM, MONDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2025
ABOUT THE KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL
Covering the Kimberley region of northern Westerns Australia, the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) commenced in 1978 and was formed by Kimberley Aboriginal people as a political land rights organisation. It has become the peak Indigenous body in the Kimberley, working with Aboriginal people to secure native title recognition, conduct conservation and land management activities and develop cultural business enterprises.
We reserve the right to commence recruitment proceedings immediately and to close this advertisement early should a suitable candidate be found.
The Kimberley Land Council is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage women and people from culturally diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to apply.