Legal Advisor

The Legal Advisor position is situated within the Legal and Compliance (LAC) team of the NNTT. The Legal Advisor reports directly to the Native Title Registrar and provides high-level legal advice to the NNTT President, Registrar and Executive Team.

The Legal Advisor supports the exercise of the Registrar's statutory functions and delegated powers under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), including the provision of legal advice, quality assurance and decision-support in relation to registration, notification and other Registrar functions. The position plays a critical role in ensuring that statutory decision-making is lawful, consistent, well-reasoned and compliant with legislative requirements.

The Legal Advisor will support the LAC team to review, maintain and continuously improve policies, procedures and business guides relating to the statutory functions of the Registrar and Tribunal. The Legal Advisor will demonstrate excellence in legal analysis, statutory interpretation, decision-making support, stakeholder engagement and project management. The position provides critical assistance to the NNTT President, Registrar and Executive Team to support the quality and integrity of the NNTT's work and ensure compliant business operations.

Position Duties 

• Provide legal advice and support to the Native Title Registrar in the exercise of statutory functions and delegated powers under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and other relevant legislation.
• Support registration-related functions managed by the LAC team, including the legal review and quality assurance of registration test recommendations, registration decisions, notification decisions and associated statutory processes.
• Prepare legal briefings, analysis and decision-support materials to assist the Registrar and Tribunal regarding competent administrative decision-making and best practice organisational policy and procedure.
• Monitor and analyse developments in native title law, administrative law and relevant legal decisions to ensure the lawful and consistent exercise of statutory functions.
• Undertake quality assurance activities to promote consistency, legal compliance and best practice in statutory decision-making across the organisation.
• Prepare and deliver training internally and externally as required.
• Competencies & Attributes
• Demonstrated expertise in the practice of native title law, administrative law or statutory decision-making, including a sound understanding of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), relevant legislation, regulations and the statutory functions of the Registrar and the National Native Title Tribunal.
• Proven experience as a legal practitioner or advisor, with the ability to apply complex legislative, procedural and administrative frameworks to support high-level decision-making, problem solving and organisational outcomes.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, together with the ability to communicate and engage sensitively, respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and stakeholders.
• Highly developed analytical, legal research and advisory skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality legal advice, briefs, reasons for decision, policy documents and written communications tailored to a range of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive relationships and influence outcomes while exercising sound judgement, discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to support strategic priorities, manage competing demands, contribute to policy and business improvement initiatives, and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Ability to represent the NNTT in internal and external forums with integrity, professionalism and credibility, while maintaining a strong client-service focus.
• Demonstrated commitment to the APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct, and the ability to model ethical behaviour, accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission, or eligibility for admission, as a legal practitioner in an Australian State or Territory is highly desirable.
• Experience in native title law, public law, administrative law or a related legal practice area will be highly regarded.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae and a two-page to Registrar Katie Stride detailing your skills, attributes, and experience relevant to the selection criteria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Kathleen McCunnie by email ***************@nntt.gov.au