NAAJA’s legal practice is the largest in the Northern Territory, providing high quality, culturally proficient and accessible advice, casework and court advocacy in both criminal and civil law. NAAJA’s criminal law practice consists of criminal solicitors working in the areas of youth, summary, indictable and appellate crime, supported by client service officers who play a vital role in ensuring the provision of culturally relevant services to our clients. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Criminal Solicitors and Senior Solicitors report to the Managing Solicitor.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Criminal Solicitor and Senior Solicitor will conduct criminal duty matters and casework comprising pleas, hearings, and committals of the Local Court and indictable matters of the Supreme Court. Both positions will have high level cross-cultural skills and be committed to professional excellence. Positions available in Katherine and Alice Springs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To provide high quality, culturally-relevant legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people charged with criminal offences.
2. In conjunction with other staff, to undertake work aimed at overcoming the disadvantage suffered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

DUTIES

1. To undertake work in the Local Court for criminal matters, including bail applications, direction hearings, pleas, hearings, committals and criminal matters in the Supreme Court.
2. Provide high quality advice on criminal law issues to clients and the Managing Solicitor as required.
3. To undertake work at circuit (bush) courts, including travel and overnight stays in remote communities.
4. To develop and implement goals in accordance with NAAJA’s Strategic Plan.
5. To assist in training, development and mentoring of lawyers and paralegals.
6. To identify issues that cause disadvantage to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system and to assist NAAJA respond to those issues through, legal education, law reform and/or community development strategies.
7. To participate in all staff and team meetings.
8. Work co-operatively with secretarial and client service staff.
9. To undertake other duties as required.

Applicants can expect to be contacted upon receipt of their application.