ABOUT NAAFLS

NAAFLS is a non-government Aboriginal Corporation providing legal advice, representation and community legal education to Aboriginal people living in Communities and small towns across the Top End of the NT. We provide advice and representation to victims of Domestic Violence, including Family Law clients and to victims who are the subject of Child Protection Applications or Orders. Other work includes Victims of Crime Compensation Claims and assistance and support with housing applications.

NAAFLS has offices in Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy and assists clients in over 44 remote communities. Regular travel to these communities is predominantly in line with the Darwin and Katherine Court Circuit calendars and requires our team to stay overnight on community for up to two trips of 2-4 days per month.

Teams consist of a Solicitor and Case Worker who provide a wrap around holistic service to our vulnerable clients to ensure they are fully supported through their journey.

THE ROLE

The Deputy Principal Legal Officer (PLO) will assist in management of the Legal Practise of NAAFLS.

Management and Supervision of legal staff located in our three offices and the provision of strong leadership, direction and support to the Leadership Team and across the organisation is required.

Experience in working with Aboriginal clients will be highly valued, as will an understanding of the complex legal needs of people living in remote communities in the NT.

ABOUT YOU

You will be eligible for an Unrestricted Practising Certificate as a Barrister or Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory with no less than 3 years post admission experience. You will have a demonstrated capacity to prepare and conduct defended matters as Counsel in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia for Family Law clients, the Local Court in the Child Protection jurisdiction for Aboriginal family members and the Summary Jurisdiction in regard to Domestic Violence for clients who have been the victims of Domestic Violence.

You will have experience in supervising, mentoring and managing a reliable, productive and constructive team within an integrated organisational model, delivering legal and non-legal services.

You will have the capacity to provide accessible and culturally sensitive legal advice and assistance on complex legal issues relating to domestic and family violence, family law, crimes compensation, child protection and other areas of law offered by NAAFLS.

Travel to remote Aboriginal communities will be required.

You will possess a current ‘C’ Class driver's licence and be eligible to obtain a clear Police Check and Working with Children Clearance should you be successful in being appointed in this role.

OUR CULTURE

NAAFLS understands that our greatest resource is our people. We offer competitive salaries and create encouraging environments to attract and retain the best. NAAFLS is committed to providing career opportunities and a healthy work-life balance. We provide a supportive work culture and are committed to the professional development of our people by investing in ongoing training to improve performance and providing career development opportunities.

NAAFLS is an Equal Opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion for all employees. We encourage and welcome applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, all genders, LGBTQI+ community and mature age people. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us if invited to interview.

The full job description including the selection criteria is available in the attachment below.