Do you want to make a difference in the lives of First Nations people in Victoria?

We are looking for a talented and experienced native title lawyer to join our growing team. As a Lawyer or Senior Lawyer, you will play a key role in helping us to provide high-quality legal services to our clients.

Work part-time or full-time, with hybrid working options, let us know what suits you!

ABOUT US

First Nations Legal and Research Services (FNLRS) is a not-for-profit organisation assisting Victorian Traditional Owners to obtain recognition of their rights and interests under the Commonwealth Native Title Act and the Victorian Traditional Owner Settlement Act. The organisation also assists Traditional Owners to manage their rights and interests once they have been recognised.

If you would like to play a part in ensuring Victorian Traditional Owners are formally recognised and supported, we invite you to join our team.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Principal Legal Officer, some of your daily activities will include:

• Coordinating the work required to progress native title matters in the Federal Court under the Native Title Act 1993, and settlement agreements with the State under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.
• Providing legal advice to Traditional Owners and their corporations on native title matters, the negotiation and implementation of settlement agreements and governance arrangements.
• Undertaking negotiations concerning native title, settlement packages and commercial matters with relevant stakeholders.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with Traditional Owners and their corporations, external stakeholders and government departments.
• Contributing to the development of legislative and policy reform relevant to the Native Title Act 1993, and the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.
• Providing coaching and mentoring to less experienced staff and interns.

From time to time, you will be required to travel to regional Victoria to provide support at claimant meetings, usually held on a weekend. Time worked on a weekend can be accrued as TOIL (time off in lieu).

Please refer to the Position Description for more information.

ABOUT YOU

You have at least 2 years post admission experience, with experience in native title law. You are eligible to hold an unrestricted Victorian Legal Practising Certificate, and may have experience in litigation, negotiations, governance, administrative and corporation law.

You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to personally connect with a range of stakeholders. You are a supportive colleague and mentor, and you enjoy the opportunity to share your knowledge.

You have worked with Traditional Owners before, and you have a keen interest in the cultural, social, economic and political issues that impact the land-related aspirations of Aboriginal people.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary - You will receive a competitive salary with NFP salary packaging up to $18,450 of your salary tax free. (Lawyers are paid a base salary of $79, 517 to $96, 084, and Senior Lawyers are paid a base salary of $99, 397 to $122, 589, exclu. super and salary packaging).

Generous leave provisions - You will receive 6 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading, with access to other generous leave provisions.

Flexible environment – Our hybrid working environment allows you to work from home and from our office. All other flexible work arrangements will be considered.

Professional development - You will have access to a professional development plan and professional development budget.

Connection and purpose - You will be part of a team of like-minded individuals committed to helping Traditional Owners achieve justice.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Riette Veldsman, HR Manager on 0448 830 630 or [email protected] using the subject line: Lawyer/Senior Lawyer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Why work with us?

We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, and we are committed to the professional development for our staff. We are confident that you will find FNLRS to be a great place to work, and this role to be both challenging and rewarding. 

A position description is attached.