Lead with Impact. Advocate for Justice. Empower Communities – Join NAAJA as the Managing Criminal Lawyer – Central Australia

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 Alice Springs.

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 $151,048 - $167,764
• Remote localities allowance + airfares (in accordance with our EBA)
• Relocation assistance - up to $5,000 (where applicable)
• 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 Alice Springs-based 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 driver’s licence (manual) 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 www.naaja.org.au or email [email protected] for more information.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.