Specialist DV Court Lawyer

Full-time

About the Role

This Specialist Legal Practitioner role is based at the Alice Springs Local Court and focuses on supporting Aboriginal clients navigating the Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Court. You will be embedded in the court setting and work collaboratively with a Specialist Court Support Worker to assist clients before, during, and after court appearances.

Key responsibilities:

Provide court-based legal advice and representation for clients involved in DFSV-related matters

Prepare clients for court proceedings including explaining legal processes, preparing evidence, and advising on DVO conditions

Represent clients in mentions, directions hearings, and final hearings for DVO, Family Law, and VOC matters

Conduct risk assessments and support safety planning in coordination with the Specialist Support Worker

Liaise with police prosecutors, duty lawyers, court staff, and interpreters to ensure smooth case progression

Assist with connecting clients to wraparound supports such as housing, counselling, and medical services

Document case notes and ensure all client information is accurately recorded in Actionstep

Identify systemic barriers or gaps in service and contribute to law reform and court process improvement

Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and internal quality improvement activities

Actively promote CAAFLU’s work within the court system and among legal and community sector stakeholders

About You

You are an experienced legal professional with a background in family violence, community law, or legal aid. You are confident working in a court-based setting and passionate about providing respectful, client-focused services for Aboriginal women and their families.

We’re looking for:

- Eligible for an NT legal practising certificate

- Minimum 1 year post-admission experience in relevant setting

- Strong understanding of family violence dynamics

- Ability to work independently and within a small team

- Cultural awareness and experience working with Aboriginal communities (desirable)

Selection Criteria

Essential:

Eligible to hold a restricted or unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory.

Post-admission experience in a community legal or family violence setting for one (1) or more years.

Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities and the issues affecting communities – including disproportionate rates of family violence and child protection involvement and the contributing underlying factors.

Demonstrated commitment to meeting the legal needs of disadvantaged groups, particularly Aboriginal victim-survivors of family violence and those living in remote Aboriginal communities.

Demonstrated capacity to provide high quality legal advice and casework, particularly in the areas of law related to family violence, including excellent written communications skills.

Excellent oral communication and listening skills particularly the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal people and with clients who have experienced trauma.

Ability to work as a member of a small multi-disciplinary team as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Good understanding of the organisation and management of legal practice, well developed time management skills and the ability to manage client matters and meet deadlines.

Hold, or the ability to obtain, a current NT Driver’s License, NT Ochre Card as well as undertaking a National Police Check and passing Aboriginal Land Permit requirements.

Desirable:

Experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Experience working in the Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Sector.

About CAAFLU

The Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit (CAAFLU) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing culturally appropriate, holistic, trauma-informed legal and casework support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors of family, domestic and/or sexual violence—predominantly women. CAAFLU operates across Central Australia and the Barkly region with offices in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek, and outreach to remote communities. CAAFLU’s services are built on a unique wraparound model that integrates legal advocacy and non-legal support through collaboration with Aboriginal Client Service Officers (CSOs).

To apply, please attach your resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria above.