Criminal Lawyer – Women's Legal Service (w/ Relocation Assistance)
Stand beside women at the most critical moments of their lives
Competitive salary + Super + 6 weeks leave + generous salary packaging
Supportive, women-led team changing lives across Central Australia
Stand beside women at the most critical moments of their lives
Competitive salary + Super + 6 weeks leave + generous salary packaging
Supportive, women-led team changing lives across Central Australia
Central Australian Women's Legal Service (CAWLS) provides holistic, trauma-informed legal support to women across Central Australia and the Barkly Region.
Every day, our work reaches women whose lives have been shaped by domestic, family, and sexual violence, systemic disadvantage, and the ongoing effects of colonial and structural inequality.
Our criminal law team plays a critical role in safeguarding the rights of criminalised women — many of whom have been misidentified, misunderstood, or failed by traditional justice responses.
Your work will contribute directly to safer futures for women and children.
This is not just a criminal law role.
It is purposeful, deeply impactful advocacy at the heart of one of Australia's most complex legal landscapes.
To learn more about us, please visit /
Why CAWLS?
A Workplace Built by Women, for Women
CAWLS is a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed, women-led organisation supporting over 1,900 clients each year, with 71% experiencing violence, and delivering more than 2,261 legal advice annually (Impact Report).
We walk alongside women on their journey to safety, healing, and independence.
Working with CAWLS means:
You help women rebuild control in moments of crisis
Our civil practice provides immediate assistance for issues affecting safety and stability — domestic violence orders, tenancy, employment, child protection, financial abuse, and more.
You are part of a deeply supportive, multicultural team of women
Our staff come from across Australia and share a strong belief in equity, dignity, and cultural safety.
The Impact Report describes our "dynamic CAWLS team" whose dedication and passion underpin every service we deliver.
Your work strengthens entire communities
We partner with hospitals, schools, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, and frontline services.
Your legal practice is integrated with education, prevention, and advocacy — ensuring your impact reaches far beyond individual representation.
You experience continuous professional growth
CAWLS lawyers receive ongoing supervision, trauma-informed practice training, CLE experience, law reform involvement, and opportunities for travel to remote communities.
Women choose CAWLS because it offers meaningful work in an environment where they feel supported, valued, and connected.
About the Opportunity
As a Criminal Lawyer, you will provide legal advice, representation, and holistic support to women across Central Australia who are criminalised and impacted by domestic and family violence, systemic disadvantage, and intersecting social and legal challenges.
More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Providing high-quality legal advice and representation in criminal law matters
Representing clients in courts and tribunals, including as a duty lawyer
Delivering legal support to criminalised women, particularly those impacted by DFV and systemic disadvantage
Working collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver wraparound services
Undertaking outreach travel to bush courts and remote communities
Assisting with logistics and delivery of community legal education and outreach events
Supporting and contributing to law reform, advocacy and community legal education
Participating in stakeholder and community engagement
Maintaining legal files, compliance and reporting for regulatory obligations
This role requires empathy, resilience, and a strong commitment to advancing safety, dignity, and justice for women.
About You
To thrive in this role, you will be:
Eligible to hold a Practising Certificate in the Northern Territory
Ideally have previous experience as a Criminal Lawyer
Passionate about social justice, gender equality, and community legal advocacy
Knowledgeable in trauma-informed practice, particularly for clients impacted by DFV
Confident working with First Nations women and CALD communities
A clear communicator with strong interpersonal and legal writing skills
Reflective, resilient, and committed to self-care in trauma-informed practice
A collaborator who values teamwork and shared purpose
This is a female-identified role under the Sex Discrimination Act ****.
About the Benefits
Competitive salary plus superannuation
Relocation assistance up to $3,000
Six weeks annual leave plus 12 days personal leave
Salary packaging options
A workplace that prioritises staff wellbeing and psychological safety
Paid professional development and ongoing training
A supportive, warm team culture
Life in Central Australia: Alice Springs
Working in Central Australia offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in a region where your impact is both immediate and visible.
Many lawyers describe their time here as the most rewarding chapter of their careers.
Ready to Create Real Change?
If you want your legal career to empower women, strengthen communities, and contribute to systemic reform in one of Australia's most unique and impactful regions — we encourage you to apply.
Become part of a team where your work truly matters.
#J-*****-Ljbffr