Northern Territory Young Lawyers (NTYL)

The Northern Territory Young Lawyers (NTYL) represents lawyers in the Northern Territory who have been admitted to practice for less than five years, as well as GDLP clerks. Despite being called the ‘young lawyers', there is no age restriction on membership, and junior practitioners of any age are most welcome to get involved.

We are a subcommittee of the Law Society Northern Territory, and have a representative on the Law Society Council. In addition, the President is automatically a member of the Australian Young Lawyers Committee of the Law Council of Australia, which ensures young lawyers' issues are promoted at a national level.

We are involved in organising professional development and social events. In particular, we organise a Senior vs Junior lawyers Great Debate as part of Law Week, and the annual Golden Gavel competition.

Northern Territory Young Lawyers Golden Gavel

The William Forster Chambers Golden Gavel Public Speaking Competition was held on 15 July 2011, thanks again to fantastic sponsorship from the profession. Klarin Sivyer (Associate to Chief Justice) was the winner and Trevor Moses (Judges Associate) followed closely with the People's Choice Award. Thanks go to all participants and  to our judges: Chief Justice Trevor Riley, Justice Peter Barr and Wade Roper. Klarin went on to compete at the National Golden Gavel in Melbourne on 15 September 2011, where in a highly competitive environment, she was placed a very credible third.  Congratulations Klarin!.

Law Week: Senior vs Junior Lawyers Debate

The Senior vs Junior Lawyers Annual Debate is held at the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in Darwin on the Monday of Law Week (third week of May each year), and is always a most entertaining evening. Whether you are involved with the profession or not, you are welcomed and encouraged to attend as we showcase the best the Territory profession has to offer!

Northern Territory Young Lawyers Christmas Drinks

Date to be confirmed.

Getting involved

Becoming involved with Northern Territory Young Lawyers is a great way to meet people, and network among your peers. Meetings are held approximately once a month, and any junior practitioner is welcome to come along and get involved. A junior practitioner is one admitted for five years or less, and also includes graduate clerks and GDLP students (even if not admitted yet, as long as the clerkship/GDLP has commenced). The commitment is not onerous, and committee members have the option of getting involved in as many or as little activities as they choose. We have a Facebook group independant of the Law Society called ‘NTYL' to share photographs and notify people of upcoming events, all are welcome to join.

Please contact either Olivia Go This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Ashley Marsh  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Northern Territory Young Lawyers Committee - 2012

Northern Territory Young Lawyers hold an AGM at which the coming year's committe is voted in:

• Co-Presidents: Ashley Marsh (Solicitor for the Northern Territory) and Olivia Go (Halfpennys)

• Secretary: Imogen Taylor (Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions)

• Treasurer: Emma Farnell (Ward Keller)

General committee members:

• Che Walsh (Department of Justice)
• James Mack (Associate to Chief Justice Trevor Riley)
• Melanie Warbrooke (Darwin Community Legal Service)
• Nestor Sanchez Jnr (Solicitor for the Northern Territory)
• Nicola MacCarron (Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions)
• James O’Brien (Associate to Justice Dean Mildren)

Past Presidents

• 2011 - Ashley Marsh & Sophie Anderson
• 2010 - Donna Storey & Nick Johansen
• 2009 - Kristy Rogerson
• 2008 - Caroline Heske
• 2007 - Kris Norrington
• 2006 - Lisa O'Donoghue