Principal Legal Officer North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Centre

Job Description

ABOUT NAAFLS NAAFLS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and independent Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS). We are the only victim-based Aboriginal legal service in remote communities in the Top End region of the NT, with offices in Darwin (Larrakia land), Katherine (Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman land), and Nhulunbuy (Yolŋu land). We service over 40 remote communities within the Top End region, providing culturally sensitive legal advice, assistance, representation, and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced domestic, family, and sexual violence. This role offers a unique opportunity to work collaboratively alongside client support officers and case workers to ensure that our service is culturally safe and holistic. Our primary practice areas are family law, child protection, and domestic violence, though we frequently intervene in coronial inquiries, parliamentary inquiries, and other administrative or criminal proceedings as required. THE ROLE The Principal Legal Officer (PLO) will manage the Legal Practice of NAAFLS in accordance with relevant regulatory obligations and requirements. This role includes management and supervision of legal staff located in our three offices and the provision of strong leadership, direction, and support to the Executive Leadership Team and across the organisation. 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 possess no less than 5 years PAE with 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 regarding Domestic Violence for clients who have been the victims of Domestic Violence. 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 to this role. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. 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. TO APPLY The full job description including the selection criteria is available on the Join Us/Work with Us tab on the NAAFLS website. Click the ‘apply now’ button or submit a one-page cover letter and your current resume to APPLICATIONS CLOSE Monday 10 February 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr