• Senior Lawyer - Full Time
• Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. This is authorised under Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.

Central Desert Native Title Services Ltd (Central Desert) is focused on working in partnership with the Aboriginal people of the central desert region of Western Australia as they shape a self-determined future of independence, control and connection to Country, Culture and Community.

To achieve this, Central Desert provides a range of services focused on supporting corporations known as a ‘prescribed body corporate’ (PBC). A PBC is the corporate entity established to represent a native title holding group, in all matters relating to native title. The PBC is the first point of contact for government and other parties (for example, mining companies) who wish to talk with the native title holders or undertake activities on native title land.

Central Desert has a legal team which is collegiate, supportive, energetic and hardworking, with a vision to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, to enhance the capacity of the PBCs to take advantage of the opportunities of native title and to drive legal developments in the sector.

We are seeking applications for an experienced Senior Lawyer to join our team, working closely with the Principal Lawyer, to:

• Provide high legal and strategic advice to PBCs in relation to general native title matters, heritage, mining matters, land tenure and acquisition, compensation claims and corporate governance matters;
• Represent and advocate for our clients in meetings with government and mining representatives;
• Brief and instruct external counsel and expert consultants on matters requiring litigation or complex native title negotiations; and
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers.

The position is based in our East Perth office, and also uniquely involves opportunities to travel to regional and remote Western Australia for client meetings, allowing the opportunity to see parts of outback Australia and meet some of its many characters.

Central Desert is a fast paced, value driven organisation doing rewarding and important work for its clients. If you are interested in working in the not-for-profit sector and making a difference in the lives of Indigenous Western Australians, then this could be the perfect fit.

Essential /Desirable Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Appropriate legal qualifications and at least 5 years post admission experience.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and supervise junior lawyers.
• Experience in working with and receiving instructions from Aboriginal people.
• Excellent written, inter-personal and facilitation skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to travel to remote locations on a regular basis.
• A current driver’s licence, preferably with 4WD experience.

While native title experience is not essential for this role, it is highly desirable.

In addition to a rewarding and dynamic position, Central Desert can offer benefits such as:

• A flexible and supportive work environment, with working from home options available.
• Generous salary packaging options.
• Long service leave available, pro rata after five years of continuous service.
• Paid office-wide shutdown between Christmas and New Years in addition to existing leave entitlements.
• Paid parental leave available after 12 months of service.
• Free onsite parking, as well as being in close proximity to public transport.

For a detailed Duty Statement please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Lawyer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To apply

Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application.

Before an offer of employment can be made Central Desert requires a National Police Clearance, not older than 6 months, evidence of a current certificate of practice (law) and of an unrestricted driver’s license.

Please note: You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. Only suitable candidates will be considered and contacted if short listed immediately.

Unsolicited resumes and contact from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.