North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency – Darwin NT
Lead Strategic Criminal Appeals Work Across the Northern Territory
Location: Darwin, Katherine
Position: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Why Work With NAAJA
Working with NAAJA offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career while contributing to justice outcomes in the Northern Territory.
We offer:
* Competitive salary ($148,414.22 to $158,498.95)
* Generous leave entitlements – 6 weeks annual leave + 17.5% loading, 3 weeks personal leave and more
* Salary packaging up to $18,550 tax free
* Up to $6,000 in relocation allowance (in accordance with the Enterprise Agreement)
Make a Real Difference in the Justice System
The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is seeking an experienced criminal lawyer to lead and coordinate our Appeals Practice across the Northern Territory.
This is a rare opportunity for a senior criminal practitioner to work on complex and significant appellate matters, contribute to law reform and systemic change, and help ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive high-quality legal representation at every stage of the justice process.
As the Appeals Practice Manager, you will coordinate appellate work across NAAJA's offices in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs while appearing in matters across the Local Court, Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeal and beyond.
About NAAJA
NAAJA provides legal assistance and justice services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Northern Territory and is recognised as a leading legal service nationally for its work in human rights, justice reform and crime prevention.
Our teams work across urban, regional and remote communities to deliver culturally informed legal services and advocate for long-term improvements in the justice system.
What You'll Be Doing
In this role you will:
* Coordinate and manage NAAJA's Appeals Practice across multiple offices
* Appear in complex criminal matters including appeals, Supreme Court pleas, trials and committal proceedings
* Provide high quality legal advice and advocacy in appellate matters
* Mentor and support junior criminal lawyers
* Assist with strategic litigation, test cases and law reform initiatives
* Work closely with the Managing Criminal Lawyer and leadership team
* Represent NAAJA clients in courts across the NT including bush circuit courts where required
* Contribute to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the justice
What You'll Bring
To succeed in this role, you will have:
* Admission (or eligibility for admission) as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory
* Strong experience in criminal trial work and appellate advocacy
* Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal matters and high workloads
* Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
* Experience mentoring or supporting junior legal staff
* Cultural capability and a strong understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system
* Ability to travel to regional and remote communities
* A current driver's licence and ability to obtain an Ochre Card and criminal history clearance.
Be Part of Meaningful Change
This is a unique leadership opportunity for a criminal lawyer who is passionate about justice, advocacy and making a lasting impact.
If you are looking to work on complex legal matters while contributing to systemic change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we encourage you to apply.
Applications close: 26 March 2026
Email applications will not be accepted
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