Senior Civil Lawyer - Housing and Social Security (Alice Springs)

Senior Civil Lawyer – Housing and Social Security (Alice Springs)

About NAAJA The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency is a leading not-for-profit organisation that provides legal services and advocacy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory. NAAJA’s legal practice provides high quality, culturally proficient and accessible advice, casework and court advocacy in both criminal and civil law. What we offer

• Salary packaging options up to $18,450 per annum tax free
• Remote allowance of $3,300 per annum (if applicable)
• Annual airfare allowance
• 6 weeks annual leave
• 3 weeks personal leave

About the role NAAJA’s civil law practice is an extremely busy and diverse one, with practice areas including police accountability, child protection, adult guardianship, consumer, discrimination, tenancy, social security and victims of crime assistance claims. NAAJA’s housing and social security (HSS) practice is focused on achieving true justice, dignity and respect for Aboriginal people through working to address fundamental drivers of disadvantage. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a dedicated and inspired group of hardworking lawyers in challenging and difficult areas of law, with the goal of achieving substantive and systemic change. What you’ll be doing

• Supervise and mentor the HSS Practice Group across multiple offices.
• Offer advice on civil law issues, including conducting advice clinics in urban and remote areas.
• Handle litigation and casework in civil law following NAAJA’s priorities and guidelines.
• Assist the Managing and Deputy Managing Lawyers with staff guidance, training, and policy development.
• Provide supervision support and attend remote trips for the Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs offices as needed.
• Represent the Civil Section at internal and external meetings, focusing on housing and social security issues.
• Travel to remote communities for up to 4 nights to conduct civil advice clinics when required.

What we’re looking for

• Eligibility for admission as a solicitor in the Northern Territory and High Court of Australia.
• 4+ years post-admission experience in civil law.
• Ability to manage civil litigation and casework, and provide civil law advice with minimal supervision.
• Proven experience in mentoring and supervising both legal and non-legal staff.
• Willingness and ability to undertake overnight travel to all NAAJA offices and remote Aboriginal communities.
• Knowledge of policy/law reform issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the NT, with an understanding of current challenges and aspirations.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including effective cross-cultural communication and working with interpreters.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team to achieve NAAJA’s objectives.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain a satisfactory “Working with Children Clearance” (Ochre Card) upon commencement
• Satisfactory criminal history check and no history of disqualification from employment by a legal practice
• Ability and willingness to travel to remote areas

How to apply Applicants for this position must submit a cover letter and resume addressing the essential criteria. Suitably qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr