Darwin-based role Relocation assistance negotiable
What We Offer
* Generous salary superannuation
* Up to $15899 tax-free salary packaging
* 6 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
* Professional development and training opportunities
* Company vehicle provided
* Relocation assistance available
* Wellness Day per month
* A values-led community-focused team driving real change in remote NT communities
About NAAFLS
The North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and independent Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS). We are the only victim-based Aboriginal legal service in the Top End NT supporting over 40 remote communities from the Tiwi Islands to Lajamanu Wadeye and Borroloola.
From offices on Larrakia Jawoyn/Dagoman/Wardaman and Yolŋu lands we provide culturally safe trauma-informed legal advice representation and holistic support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing domestic family and sexual violence. Our integrated model pairs lawyers with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Client Support Officers and Case Workers ensuring services are community-led and culturally responsive. Core practice areas include family law child protection and domestic violence with involvement in law reform and inquiries.
About the Role
The Principal Legal Officer (PLO) provides strategic cultural and operational leadership of NAAFLS legal practice and Nhulunbuy.
Reporting to the CEO and working with the Executive Leadership Team the PLO ensures high-quality legal services strong governance and compliance effective risk management and the supervision and development of the legal team.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the legal practice across multiple offices
* Ensure compliance with professional regulatory and funding requirements
* Supervise mentor and develop legal staff
* Embed culturally safe trauma-informed service delivery
* Provide governance risk and strategic advice to the CEO and Board
* Contribute to organisational strategy funding and law reform
* Build strong stakeholder and sector relationships
About You
You are a senior legal practitioner and people leader committed to cultural safety justice and Aboriginal self-determination with the ability to work effectively in complex and remote environments.
Criteria
Essential
* Eligibility for an unrestricted NT practising certificate
* Minimum 5 years post-admission experience including defended matters in family law child protection and domestic violence
* Proven leadership and supervision of a multi-site legal team
* Strong communication skills including with clients for whom English is not a first language
* Demonstrated experience working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
* Ability to provide accessible culturally appropriate legal advice
* Governance policy law reform and risk management experience
* High attention to detail and strong IT skills
* Willingness to travel to remote communities
* Ability to obtain required clearances and hold an NT C Class licence
Desirable
* Experience in Aboriginal Community Controlled or community legal services
* Experience in policy advocacy and law reform
* Experience with funded programs compliance and reporting
* Experience mentoring multidisciplinary teams
* Familiarity with culturally safe service delivery in remote settings
Why Join NAAFLS
* Lead a unique culturally grounded legal service
* Make a meaningful impact across remote communities
* Work alongside passionate Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal professionals
How to Apply
* Applications Close: Friday 6 February 2026
* *Please note applications will be assessed as they are received!
* Submit your application via SEEK or EthicalJobs with:
o Your updated Resume
o A one-page Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria
* For more information about NAAFLS visit
* For role enquiries contact:
Required Experience:
Staff IC
Key Skills: Personal Injury Cases, Intellectual Property, Counsel, Court Proceedings, Advocacy, Legal Research, Contract Law, Criminal Cases, Legal procedures, Law, Private Practice, Trial Preparation, Labor Law, Legal Advice, Arbitration Law
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Monthly Salary Salary: 170001 - 170001
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