Criminal Solicitor/ Senior Solicitor – Alice Springs & Katherine - Hiring Now

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Central Australia, where the vast, red desert landscapes meet the clear blue skies, offering breathtaking sunsets and star-filled nights. Come, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural of the region, with opportunities to engage with Indigenous traditions and art forms, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Australia’s heritage. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle, with access to a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring iconic landmarks. Experience the warmth and hospitality of local communities, supported by a strong sense of camaraderie and inclusivity. Embrace the chance to make a meaningful impact through rewarding career prospects in a region that values innovation, diversity, and collaboration.

NAAJA is recruiting to Alice Springs and Katherine – Be a part of one of Australia’s most dynamic, diverse, and challenging legal practices. NAAJA provides legal aid for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory, with offices in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs.

We are a leading Australian legal service and have received both National and Northern Territory human rights awards for our work. We are committed to providing quality representation for our clients and bringing about long-term change in the justice system. Our staff are motivated, dedicated and do work that matters.

• Salary packaging options
• 6 weeks annual leave per year with leave loading
• Annual airfare

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

DUTIE:

Criminal Solicitor:

1. To undertake work in the Local Court for criminal matters, including a duty lawyer service, bail applications, direction hearings, pleas, hearings, committals and instructing in criminal matters in the Supreme Court.
2. Provide high quality advice on criminal law issues to clients 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 the managing and senior solicitors of the Criminal Section as required.
6. To assist in training, development and mentoring of support staff.
7. To identify issues that cause disadvantage to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system and to assist NAAJA through the Principal Legal Officer to respond to those issues through, legal education, law reform and/or community development strategies.
8. To participate in all staff and team meetings as required.
9. Work co-operatively with secretarial and client service staff as required.
10. Other duties as directed.

SELECTION CRITERIA ESSENTIAL:

1. Admission (or eligibility for admission) as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory.

2. An understanding of the issues affecting the disproportionate involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system. Including a demonstrated understanding and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their history and culture.

3. Previous experience in dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is highly desirable.

4. Sufficient experience in trial and appellate work in Local and/or Supreme Courts with a demonstrated ability to provide high quality oral and written advice on a range of legal issues.

5. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Central Australia.

6. Good time management and organisational skills including demonstrated capacity to perform under pressure and ability to effectively handle high volume workloads within tight deadlines.

7. Ability and willingness to travel to and work in the regional areas serviced by NAAJA.

8. Computer literacy including ability and willingness to prepare correspondence and reports, using Email and electronic scheduling.

9. Ability to work constructively with a diverse team of legal and non-legal staff to achieve the goals of the position including a demonstrated willingness to seek advice from client service officers on cultural issues and/or supervision by senior solicitors when necessary.

10. Current Drivers Licence with manual driving experience.

11. Ability to obtain a satisfactory “Working with Children Clearance” (Ochre Card) upon commencement.

12. Satisfactory criminal history check and no history of disqualification from employment by a legal practice.

Applications close on 24th May 2024.

Applicants for this position must address the selection criteria in their written application, which can be sent to [email protected].