Lead with Impact. Advocate for Justice. Empower Communities
Join NAAJA as the Managing Criminal Lawyer in Darwin
The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Managing Criminal Lawyer to lead our high-performing Criminal Law team in Darwin. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact, combining expert legal advocacy with operational leadership to support the delivery of high-quality legal services to Aboriginal people across the Top End.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a strategic leadership role with one of Australia's most respected Aboriginal legal services. You will oversee criminal practice operations, mentor and supervise staff, and appear in complex criminal matters, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Why join NAAJA?
* Competitive salary
* Generous leave - 6 weeks annual + 17.5% loading, 3 weeks personal leave and more
* Access up to $18,550 tax free salary packaging + professional development opportunities
* Be part of a nationally recognised legal service
* Make a real impact working alongside a dynamic multidisciplinary criminal law team.
What you'll do:
As the Managing Criminal Lawyer, you will be responsible for leading the Darwin criminal law team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Your core duties will include:
* Managing the day-to-day operations of NAAJA's Central Australia criminal law section, including overseeing legal and administrative functions.
* Supervising and supporting a team of lawyers, client service officers, and administrative staff to ensure professional excellence and culturally safe practice.
* Representing Aboriginal clients charged with criminal offences in the Local Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Criminal Appeal, including complex legal matters such as committals, trials, pleas, and appeals.
* Coordinating rosters, matter allocation, and team meetings in collaboration with other senior staff and legal leadership.
* Delivering ongoing mentoring and training for criminal lawyers to build internal capacity and ensure high standards of advocacy.
* Monitoring and implementing legal practice policies, procedures, and insurer obligations, including conducting file audits and managing risk.
* Participating in circuit (bush) court work and contributing to broader justice strategies, including test cases, law reform, legal education, and community development initiatives.
* Representing NAAJA in external meetings, forums, and partnerships to strengthen advocacy and client outcomes.
What we're looking for:
* Admission (or eligibility for admission) as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory, with at least 5 years post-admission experience in criminal law.
* Demonstrated experience managing and supervising legal teams and non-legal staff in a high-demand environment.
* Advanced advocacy skills and substantial experience appearing in complex criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions.
* A strong understanding of the systemic and historical factors contributing to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system.
* Excellent time management, communication, and interpersonal skills – including the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal clients and work respectfully across cultures.
* Proficiency with legal practice systems and technology, including case management software, emails, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office.
* A commitment to continuous learning, cultural responsiveness, and achieving justice for Aboriginal communities.
* A current NT driver's licence and the ability to drive in remote areas (4WD experience preferred).
* The ability to obtain a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card) and pass a satisfactory criminal history check.
This role is ideal for a passionate legal leader ready to make a difference in one of the most unique and challenging criminal law jurisdictions in Australia.
Apply now and be part of something bigger.
Visit or email for more information.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.