• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time Ongoing

About the Role

Are you a skilled legal professional passionate about advocating for Indigenous rights and supporting community initiatives? Then join the Northern Land Council (NLC) and be part of a dynamic Legal team providing Aboriginal people in the Top End of the Northern Territory with advice, advocacy and practical assistance to support their aspirations, manage their land and realise and protect their rights.

The NLC is seeking experienced lawyers with a keen interest in working in native title, resources and energy, litigation, corporate and commercial or environment and planning law.

The main responsibilities of the roles include:

• Working as a member of a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural team to ensure the effective performance of the NLC’s statutory functions under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) (Land Rights Act), Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), and other relevant Commonwealth and Northern Territory legislation.
• Providing legal advice and representation to Aboriginal people and groups, Aboriginal Land Trusts, Prescribed Bodies Corporate and other Aboriginal associations about the use, management, occupation or development of their lands and seas (including for resources and energy projects, national parks, tourism, public services, townships and commercial enterprises).
• Strategically managing projects, including by coordinating and facilitating consultations across the Top End of the Northern Territory.

About the NLC

Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. The NLC was established 50 years ago under the Land Rights Act in 1976, to assist Aboriginal people in the Top End of the NT to acquire and manage their traditional lands, waters and seas. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.

What you will Bring

• Hold admission to legal practice in a Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia.
• Experience and proficiency in legal drafting
• Sound cross cultural, interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Good attention to detail and analytical skills

In addition to this, you will have: -

• At least 3 years post‐admission experience in legal practice or equivalent legal experience or knowledge.
• Sound time management and organisational skills, including a demonstrated capacity to perform under pressure, effectively manage a busy workload, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Current C Class Drivers Licence and the ability and willingness to undertake remote travel in a manual 4WD vehicle or light aircraft.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What’s in it for you?

NLC offers competitive and attractive remuneration, work life balance and a unique opportunity to support our Aboriginal communities in the NLC Region. This position is classified under our Enterprise Agreement at Legal 1 (L1), with a commencing base salary of $78,724 per annum.

In addition to base salary, you will receive:

• 14% superannuation;
• District allowance starting at $2,539 per annum
• Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $2,724;
• Generous leave entitlements such as 5 weeks annual leave, leaving loading, 18 days personal leave, and paid Christmas close down;
• Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 and additional Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
• Generous leave entitlements such as 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave per annum, and paid Christmas shut down

If you have any further queries please contact Tamara Cole on 0458 304 612

Position Description - Lawyer.