Criminal Lawyers (Junior to Senior)

Your Career. Their Future. Justice That Matters.

Criminal Lawyers Junior Intermediate or Senior

Location: Alice Springs Northern Territory

Salary range: $103462.66 to $125503.91

Stand where it matters most.

Every day Aboriginal people continue to be disproportionately represented in Australias criminal justice system.

At NAAJA we dont just practise law we stand beside our clients advocate for fairness challenge injustice and work to create lasting change.

Whether youre beginning your legal career or youre an experienced criminal advocate ready for your next challenge this is an opportunity to use your skills where they will make the greatest impact.

This isnt just another legal job.

Its a career with purpose.

Its advocacy that changes lives.

Why NAAJA

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is one of Australias leading Aboriginal legal services providing high-quality legal representation and justice services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Northern Territory.

From the courtroom to remote communities our lawyers are trusted advocates who work tirelessly to protect legal rights improve access to justice and drive systemic change through strategic litigation law reform and community education.

Working with NAAJA means becoming part of a passionate team committed to making a genuine difference one client one family and one community at a time.

Were Recruiting Across Multiple Levels

Whether youre newly admitted or an experienced advocate we have opportunities to match your experience.

Junior Criminal Lawyer (LO Level 12)

Perfect for newly admitted lawyers or those with an interest in criminal law looking to build advocacy skills alongside experienced mentors.

Youll gain hands-on courtroom experience appear in the Local and Supreme Courts with support attend circuit courts and develop into a confident criminal lawyer while making a meaningful difference in peoples lives.

Intermediate Criminal Lawyer (LO Level 3)

For lawyers with approximately 24 years post-admission experience who are ready to manage their own criminal practice.

Youll independently appear in complex Local and Supreme Court matters conduct trials mentor junior lawyers and contribute to strategic litigation and law reform initiatives that improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Senior Criminal Lawyer (LO Level 4)

For experienced criminal advocates ready to lead from the front.

Youll manage significant and complex criminal matters mentor and develop the next generation of lawyers appear in superior courts and contribute to legal strategy advocacy and systemic reform across the Northern Territory.

What Youll Do

Depending on your level of experience you will:

• Represent clients in the Local and Supreme Courts across a broad range of criminal matters
• Conduct mentions bail applications pleas hearings jury trials appeals and complex criminal litigation
• Travel to remote communities to provide legal representation through circuit courts
• Deliver culturally safe high-quality legal advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients
• Build trusted relationships with clients communities and colleagues
• Identify systemic issues affecting Aboriginal people within the criminal justice system and contribute to strategic advocacy and law reform
• Mentor and support junior lawyers (Intermediate and Senior levels)
• Work collaboratively with Client Service Officers interpreters and multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional client outcomes

Who Were Looking For

Were looking for lawyers who are:

• Passionate about criminal law
• Committed to social justice and human rights
• Respectful of Aboriginal cultures histories and communities
• Strong advocates with excellent communication skills
• Adaptable resilient and ready to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willing to travel to remote communities and experience the unique practice of criminal law in Central Australia

Admission (or eligibility for admission) as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory is required along with a current drivers licence and the ability to obtain an Ochre Card and satisfactory criminal history clearance.

Why Alice Springs

Alice Springs offers one of Australias most unique and rewarding legal careers.

Here youll experience advocacy that truly matters working closely with communities appearing regularly in court travelling on circuit and building legal skills that many lawyers spend years trying to acquire elsewhere.

The work is challenging.

The learning is unmatched.

The impact is real.

What We Offer

At NAAJA youll enjoy:

• Competitive salary range ($103462.66 to $125503.91)
• Salary packaging up to $18550 tax free
• 6 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading
• 3 weeks personal leave and cultural leave more in accordance with Enterprise Agreement
• Professional development opportunities
• Mentoring and career progression from junior through to senior practice
• Exposure to complex and meaningful criminal law work
• The opportunity to influence law reform and improve justice outcomes across the Northern Territory

Ready to Make a Difference

Protect rights.

Challenge injustice.

Stand with community.

Build a career with purpose.

Join NAAJA and become part of a team committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive the quality legal representation advocacy and justice they deserve.

Apply today and help shape a fairer justice system for tomorrow.

How to Apply

Applicants for this position must submit:

• A current resume; and
• A cover letter addressing the essential criteria outlined under What Were Looking For.

For enquiries please contact

**Please note: Applications submitted via email will not be accepted. **

Applications close: 19 August 2026