Deputy Managing Lawyer – Youth & Indictable Practices

Deputy Managing Lawyer – Indictable & Youth Practices 

Alice Springs | Full-time | $152,866 to $163,252 

Lead. Advocate. Mentor. Make a difference. 

Are you an experienced criminal lawyer ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have a passion for advocacy, developing legal practitioners and delivering meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? 

NAAJA is seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Managing Lawyer – Indictable & Youth Practices to provide senior leadership across our criminal law practices in Central Australia. 

This is an exciting opportunity to combine your expertise in criminal defence with strategic leadership, legal supervision and practice development, while contributing to a service that makes a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal people, young people and their communities. 

About the opportunity 

Based in Alice Springs, you will play a pivotal role in leading and strengthening NAAJA’s Youth and Indictable practices. Working closely with the Managing Lawyer – Crime and other senior legal practitioners, you will help drive high-quality legal representation, oversee complex criminal matters and support the development of a capable and collaborative legal team. 

Balancing hands-on legal work with senior leadership responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to shape practice standards, mentor and develop lawyers, and contribute to the delivery of culturally safe, client-centred legal services across Central Australia. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Lead and coordinate the Youth and Indictable practices, ensuring high standards of legal service delivery, case management and court readiness. 
• Provide expert legal advice and representation in serious and complex criminal matters across the Youth Justice, Local and Supreme Courts, including circuit courts. 
• Supervise, mentor and develop legal practitioners, providing guidance on advocacy, case strategy, complex litigation and professional practice. 
• Oversee significant indictable matters, including committals, trials, pleas, appeals and Supreme Court proceedings. 
• Provide senior oversight of youth justice matters and support the ongoing development of NAAJA’s Youth practice. 
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to strengthen practice standards, manage legal risks and support workforce planning. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with courts, prosecution agencies, justice stakeholders and other legal service providers. 

About you 

You are an accomplished criminal lawyer with the confidence and capability to lead others, navigate complex legal matters and contribute to the strategic direction of a busy legal practice. 

You will bring: 

• Admission, or eligibility for admission, as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory, with at least three years’ post-admission experience in criminal law. 
• Significant criminal law experience, including substantial advocacy experience in indictable matters and the ability to conduct or supervise serious and complex litigation. 
• Experience in youth justice practice, or the demonstrated capability to lead and develop a high-quality youth criminal law practice. 
• Proven leadership, legal supervision and mentoring skills, with the ability to support and develop other practitioners. 
• Strong organisational and case management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and complex court deadlines. 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, particularly when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. 
• A genuine understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system, alongside a commitment to culturally safe and respectful legal practice. 

Why join NAAJA? 

At NAAJA, you’ll be part of an organisation that is committed to achieving meaningful change in the justice system and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

We offer more than just a legal career. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside passionate and dedicated people who are committed to advocacy, social justice and making a lasting difference. 

Our employee benefits include: 

• Competitive salary ($152,866 to $163,252)  
• Six weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.  
• 3 weeks personal leave  
• Cultural leave and more  
• Access up to $18,550 tax free salary packaging  
• Generous personal leave entitlements. 
• Professional development and career growth opportunities. 
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work and positive change across the Northern Territory. 

Ready to make a difference? 

If you’re an experienced criminal lawyer looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity where your expertise, advocacy and leadership can make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now through the NAAJA careers page. 

For further information about this opportunity, please refer to the position description. 

✔Applications close: 17 November 2026  

**Email applications will not be accepted**   

✔ Enquiries: Peopleandcapability@naaja.org.au