Your Career. Their Future. Justice That Matters.
Criminal Lawyers – Junior, Intermediate or Senior
Location: Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Salary range: $103,462.66 to $125,503.91
Stand where it matters most.
Every day, Aboriginal people continue to be disproportionately represented in Australia’s criminal justice system.
At NAAJA, we don’t just practise law, we stand beside our clients, advocate for fairness, challenge injustice and work to create lasting change.
Whether you’re beginning your legal career or you’re 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 isn’t just another legal job.
It’s a career with purpose.
It’s advocacy that changes lives.
Why NAAJA?
The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is one of Australia’s 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.
We’re Recruiting Across Multiple Levels
Whether you’re newly admitted or an experienced advocate, we have opportunities to match your experience.
Junior Criminal Lawyer (LO Level 1–2)
Perfect for newly admitted lawyers or those with an interest in criminal law looking to build advocacy skills alongside experienced mentors.
You’ll 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 people’s lives.
Intermediate Criminal Lawyer (LO Level 3)
For lawyers with approximately 2–4 years’ post-admission experience who are ready to manage their own criminal practice.
You’ll 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.
You’ll 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 You’ll 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 We’re Looking For
We’re 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 driver’s licence and the ability to obtain an Ochre Card and satisfactory criminal history clearance.
Why Alice Springs?
Alice Springs offers one of Australia’s most unique and rewarding legal careers.
Here, you’ll 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 you’ll enjoy:
- Competitive salary range ($103,462.66 to $125,503.91)
- Salary packaging up to $18,550 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 We’re Looking For.
For enquiries, please contact peopleandcapability@naaja.org.au.
**Please note: Applications submitted via email will not be accepted. **
Applications close: 19 August 2026
