Criminal Lawyer – Katherine

Criminal Lawyer – Katherine

Make a difference. Champion justice. Create lasting change.

Location: Katherine  

Hours: Full-time Permanent  

Practice: Criminal Law

Salary: $118,157 to $120,310

About NAAJA

Looking for a legal career where your work has a real and lasting impact?

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is a leading Aboriginal community-controlled organisation providing high-quality legal assistance and justice services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Northern Territory.

With offices in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, we are committed to delivering outstanding legal representation, advocating for fairness and driving meaningful change through law reform, education and community engagement.

At NAAJA, you’ll be part of a passionate team working towards a justice system that better serves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Why Join NAAJA?

We recognise the importance of supporting our people, their wellbeing and their professional growth.

Enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary to recognise your skills and contribution ($118,157 to $120,310)
• 6 weeks of annual leave with 17.5% leave loading,
• 3 weeks of personal leave and more.
• Salary packaging of up to $18,550 tax-free, subject to eligibility and applicable rules.
• Professional development opportunities to grow your skills and advance your legal career.
• Meaningful work where you can contribute to better justice outcomes and lasting change.

About the Role

Our Criminal Law Practice is dynamic, collaborative and rewarding. Covering youth, summary, indictable and appellate matters, our team works across a broad range of criminal law issues, providing critical legal support to clients throughout the Northern Territory.

As a Criminal Lawyer, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your advocacy skills, work on challenging matters and make a tangible difference in the lives of your clients.

In this role, you will:

• Represent clients in the Local Court and Supreme Court across mentions, hearings, trials, pleas and appeals, as appropriate to your experience and level of practice.
• Provide high-quality, culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
• Travel to regional and remote communities to participate in circuit courts, including overnight stays where required.
• Identify systemic issues affecting clients and contribute to law reform, advocacy and initiatives that promote fairer justice outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with lawyers, Client Service Officers and other colleagues to deliver holistic, client-centred services.
• Build your knowledge of the unique legal, cultural and social considerations affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This is an opportunity to put your legal skills to work on matters that genuinely matter, while continuing to learn and grow within a supportive and committed team.

About You

You’re a motivated and passionate lawyer who wants to use your skills to make a meaningful contribution to criminal justice. You bring sound judgement, strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Admission, or eligibility for admission, as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory.
• Knowledge of criminal law and a commitment to developing your legal practice.
• An understanding of the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system and the broader issues contributing to this.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively across cultures.
• Excellent organisation, time management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn from colleagues, including Client Service Officers who provide important cultural and community knowledge.
• Confidence using computer systems, email and administrative or case management platforms.
• A current driver’s licence, an Ochre Card or the ability to obtain one, and the ability to satisfy relevant criminal history screening requirements.

Most importantly, you bring a genuine commitment to social justice, respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and a desire to contribute to positive change.

Why Your Work Matters

At NAAJA, criminal law is about more than representing clients in court. It’s about protecting rights, ensuring people are heard and helping address the barriers that contribute to disadvantage.

You’ll work alongside dedicated professionals who share a commitment to fairness, cultural respect and better outcomes for individuals, families and communities across the Northern Territory.

Bring your skills. Build your experience. Be part of something bigger.

Apply Today

If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal career and contribute to meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information contact peopleandcapability@naaja.org.au

**Email applications will not be accepted**

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

Join NAAJA and be part of a team working towards a fairer justice system for all.

Applications Close: 26 October 2026