Solicitor

About NAAFLS

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. We provide advice and representation to victims of Domestic Violence, including Family Law clients and support to victims who are the subject of Child Protection Applications or Orders and Victims of Crime Compensation Claims.

NAAFLS has offices in Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy and assists clients in over 44 remote communities. Regular travel to these communities is predominantly in line with the Darwin, Katherine, Northeast Arnhem Court Circuit calendars and requires our team to stay overnight on community for up to two trips of 2-4 days per month.

SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL (ESSENTIAL TO ROLE)

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.

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

7. Undertake other duties as directed by the PLO or CEO.

DUTIES

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
• 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
• Current Working With Children Clearance (or ability to obtain)
• National Criminal History Check
• Current ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence
• Ability to undertake overnight travel (2–4 days per trip, up to twice per month)

While NAAFLS is an equal opportunity employer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.