• One Permanent Lawyer Position

We seek to employ a Lawyer with at least 2 years post admission experience in future acts and agreement making under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA).

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.

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. We are seeking applications from Lawyers to join our team to coordinate matters across our region relating to the ‘Future Act’ provisions of the NTA and to provide legal advice and high-level drafting assistance on relevant agreements negotiated under those provisions.

The position is primarily based in our East Perth office but may involve occasional regional or remote travel for client meetings. 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 Aboriginal Western Australians, then this could be the perfect fit.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

1. Appropriate legal qualifications.
2. Experience in negotiation and/or implementation of future act, land access or major project agreements.
3. An understanding of relevant jurisdictions in one or more of the following areas of law: native title, litigation, property, corporate, trusts or resources.
4. Aptitude in relating to and to receiving instructions from Aboriginal People.
5. Proven ability to prepare complex work with excellent attention to detail.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
7. Willingness to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
8. High-level time management and organisational skills.
9. Competence in the use of computers and word processing packages.
10. Willingness and ability to travel to remote locations.
11. Current driver’s licence.

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
• Enjoy the benefits of salary packaging with the up to $15,900 per annum tax free
• A 3% salary increase from July 2025
• Additional paid leave between Christmas and New Years
• One additional annual Wellness Leave Day
• Leave loading of 17.5%
• Long Service Leave available pro rata after five years of continuous service
• Paid parental leave, available after 12 months of service
• Free onsite parking, as well as being in close proximity to public transport

The salary offered is up to $121,122 per annum, plus superannuation depending on years of post-admission experience.

For any job-related queries or to obtain a detailed Duty Statement please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Lawyer - Future Acts and Agreements enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To Apply:

1. Complete a detailed cover letter clearly addressing the criteria above (a maximum of three pages); and
2. Submit your cover letter with your resume via the Apply Now link below. 

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.

You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible as Central Desert reserves the right to shortlist and interview applications as received. While we would love to contact each applicant, this is not always possible, and we thank every applicant in advance for taking the time to apply.

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

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.