Law Society NT

Solicitor - North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS)

  • Darwin, Katherine or Nhulunbuy
  • Full-time 
  • $105,577.68 – $110,359.60 per annum (dependent on experience) 

Objective:

NAAFLS operates a bicultural, integrated service delivery model, where Solicitors work in partnership with Aboriginal Case Workers to provide holistic, culturally safe and client-centred services.
This model recognises that:

  • Legal expertise and cultural knowledge are equally critical to effective service delivery
  • Client outcomes are strengthened through collaborative, team-based practice
  • Services must be trauma-informed, culturally safe and responsive to community context

 

The Solicitor is responsible for delivering high-quality legal services within this partnership model, and for working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal colleagues and communities. Teams consist of a Solicitor and Case Worker who provide a wraparound holistic service to our clients to ensure they are fully supported through their journey.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Bicultural and Integrated Legal Practice
    • Deliver high-quality legal advice, casework and representation in active partnership with Case Workers
    • Ensure legal strategies are informed by cultural context, client needs and safety considerations
    • Contribute to a holistic, client-centred approach that integrates legal and non-legal supports.
  2. Legal Practice Excellence
    • Provide accurate, timely and ethical legal advice and representation across family law, domestic violence, child protection and related areas
    • Prepare court documents, submissions and evidence to a high professional standard
    • Maintain responsibility for legal decision-making and professional obligations under the supervision delegations
  3. Supervision, Governance and Accountability
    • Work within NAAFLS’ legal supervision framework, including file reviews, sign-off requirements and escalation processes
    • Identify and appropriately manage legal risk, including seeking guidance where required
    • Ensure compliance with professional standards, organisational policies and funding obligations.
  4. Community Engagement and Cultural Safety
    • Participate in community visits and court circuits, working respectfully within local cultural protocols
    • Support the development and delivery of culturally relevant Community Legal Education (CLE) in partnership with Case Workers
    • Build and maintain respectful relationships with clients, communities and stakeholders.
  5. Systems, Compliance and Continuous Improvement
    • Maintain accurate, timely and compliant client files and data records
    • Contribute to the development and improvement of legal practice systems, policies and procedures
    • Support consistent, high-quality service delivery across the organisation
    • Promote and maintain safe work practices in accordance with NAAFLS WH&S Policies and Procedures.
  6. Professional Development and Reflective Practice
    • Engage in ongoing legal and cultural professional development
    • Participate in supervision and reflective practice to strengthen service delivery
    • Actively contribute to a workplace culture aligned with organisational values.
  7. Undertake other duties as directed by the PLO or CEO.

Duties:

  1. Bicultural and Team-Based Practice
    • Work in genuine partnership with Case Workers, including shared planning, decision-making and client engagement
    • Recognise and respect the role of cultural knowledge and community relationships in service delivery
    • Prepare for and undertake community trips collaboratively.
  2. Legal Practice and Professional Standards
    • Conduct legal advice sessions, casework and representation
    • Draft legal documents, affidavits, submissions and correspondence
    • Manage files in accordance with legal and organisational requirements
    • Participate in regular file reviews and supervision processes.
  3. Client-Centred and Trauma-Informed Practice
    • Deliver services in a way that promotes client safety, dignity and understanding
    • Adapt communication to meet client needs, including working with interpreters and Case Workers
    • Maintain appropriate confidentiality and ethical standards.
  4. Community Engagement and CLE
    • Deliver CLE in partnership with Case Workers and relevant staff
    • Identify appropriate CLE topics based on community needs.
  5. Systems, Compliance and Risk Management
    • Maintain accurate file notes, data entry and reporting
    • Comply with organisational policies including conflicts, confidentiality and information management
    • Identify and escalate legal or operational risks.
  6. Culture and Values
    • Contribute to a respectful, culturally safe and collaborative workplace
    • Act in accordance with NAAFLS’ values and strategic direction

Selection Criteria

Essential:

  • Hold, or be eligible to hold, a restricted or unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory
  • Admitted to the High Court of Australia (applications can be commenced upon application)
  • Experience in family law, domestic violence and/or child protection.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a bicultural or cross-cultural service delivery model
  • Hold, or be eligible to hold, a restricted or unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory
  • Admitted to the High Court of Australia (applications can be commenced upon application)
  • Experience in family law, domestic violence and/or child protection.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a bicultural or cross-cultural service delivery model

Click here to download the position description

Applications close 26 August 2026. 

For further information contact Donna Barlow on 0468 878 977 or hr@naafls.com.au. 

  • Last Modified: July 30, 2026
  • 11:44 am