Criminal duty lawyer—make an impact with your work

Location: Alice Springs or Darwin

Status: Full-time | Part-time | Casual (weekend availability essential)

Salary: $91,000 – $110,000 (includes shift penalties)

Leave: 6 weeks annual + 3 weeks personal leave (pro-rata for part-time)

Benefits: Salary packaging up to $18,500 tax-free

About NAAJA

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is the leading legal service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Northern Territory. We operate from offices in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs—offering transformative legal support where it’s needed most.

At NAAJA, you're not just doing a job. You're joining a purpose-driven team that’s reshaping the justice system while standing up for the rights of some of the most marginalised members of our community.

The role—be there when it matters most

NAAJA is reintroducing its watch house duty lawyer service, a vital weekend legal service to provide legal assistance to Aboriginal people when they are first taken into custody. In collaboration with the Northern Territory Police, we’re bringing this critical frontline support back to life.

As a criminal duty lawyer, you will:

• provide immediate, culturally safe legal assistance to Aboriginal people taken into custody on Friday nights and over the weekend

• represent Aboriginal people in weekend bail review hearings before duty judges

• offer urgent legal advice, conduct welfare checks, and attend police interviews.

• take initial instructions from clients and play a key role in the preparation of matters before the Local Court on Mondays and improving outcomes for NAAJA clients.

Work your way

Weekend work is preferred by some people and if you’re available Saturdays and Sundays, we’ll work with you to design a role that suits your lifestyle:

• full-time (with select two week days off)

• part-time (weekends + 1–2 week days)

• casual (weekend-only shifts).

What you’ll bring

✅ Admission to legal practice in the NT (or eligibility)

✅ Experience in criminal law and courtroom advocacy

✅ Cultural competence and trauma-informed practice

✅ Strong communication and decision-making skills under pressure

✅ A current driver’s licence (vehicle provided for site visits).

Life in the Territory

Tired of traffic, long commutes, or the daily grind? Escape to a life where your lifestyle ad making a contribution matter. Experience the wild beauty of the Northern Territory, all while growing your legal career in one of Australia’s most unique and rewarding environments.

Apply now—make a difference

Ready to take on a rewarding role with real impact and enjoy a lifestyle like no other? Don’t wait. We will assess applications as they arrive.

📩 More information: [email protected]

Please note: this is a salaried position and does not fall under NAAJA’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.