Solicitor

NAAFLS is a non-government Aboriginal Corporation providing legal advice, representation and community legal education to Aboriginal people living in Communities and small towns across the Top End of the NT. 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.

Responsibilities

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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; Undertake other duties as directed by the PLO or CEO

Requirements

Evidence of a current Australian Legal Practicing Certificate or eligibility to obtain one; Obtain a working with children clearance (WWCC); Obtain a clear Criminal History Check; Possess a current 'C' Class NT Drivers Licence; 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; Experience working in partnership with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander colleagues, and an understanding of the importance of cultural knowledge in service delivery; Demonstrated ability to deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe and accessible legal services, particularly to clients experiencing family violence and disadvantage; Sound legal knowledge and the ability to apply legal principles in complex and sensitive matters; Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgement, manage competing priorities and respond to risk; Demonstrated ability to work within supervision and governance frameworks, including seeking guidance, participating in file review and responding to feedback; Understanding of professional and ethical obligations of legal practice; High-level written and oral communication skills; Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible way; Proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams; Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully with Aboriginal communities, including in remote settings; Willingness and capacity to undertake regular remote travel; High level of attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate legal files and data; Experience using electronic records management systems; Ability to undertake overnight travel (2–4 days per trip, up to twice per month)

Benefits

Salary Packaging up to $15,899 per annum tax-free as a fringe benefit; Superannuation: 12%; Leave Entitlement: 6 weeks per annum plus 17.5% annual leave loading; Personal/Carer's Leave: 15 days per annum; Equipment Supplied: Laptop, Mobile phone, Uniforms; Time off in Lieu of Overtime; Travel Allowance; Paid parental leave applicable to Primary or Secondary Carer (6 weeks' paid after 12 months service); Study Leave; Defence Leave