Location: DarwinStatus: Full-time Ongoing The Northern Land Council (NLC) is seeking skilled and committed Lawyer to join our Legal Services team. This is a unique opportunity to practise law in a values-driven organisation that supports Aboriginal land rights, self-determination and strong governance across the Top End.About the RoleAs a Lawyer at the NLC, you will provide high-quality legal advice and representation on matters affecting Aboriginal land, sea and cultural rights. Working closely with Traditional Owners, Council Members and internal stakeholders, you will contribute to decision-making under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the Native Title Act 1993. To enable Traditional owners to make decisions based on free and prior informed consentYou will support negotiations, agreements and statutory processes across a broad range of matters, including land use, governance, commercial agreements and regulatory compliance. The role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and regular engagement with Aboriginal communities.What You Will BringYou are a capable and ethical legal professional who values purpose-driven work and understands the importance of culturally safe practice. You bring strong legal judgement, clear communication skills and the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical advice that supports informed decision-making.You enjoy working collaboratively, balancing competing priorities, and contributing to outcomes that respect Aboriginal law, culture and governance systems.In addition, you will have:Admission to legal practice in a supreme court of state or territory of Australia and at least 3 year post-admission or experience in legal practice or equivalent legal experience or knowledge.Experience and proficiency in legal drafting. Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and clients Sound time management and organisational skills, including a demonstrated capacity to perform under pressure, effectively manage a busy workload, and consistently meet deadlines Current C Class Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel to remote communitiesFor a full copy of the Position Description, please refer to the link provided.Why Join the NLC?Working at the NLC offers a rare opportunity to practise law in a way that directly supports Aboriginal people to exercise their rights and shape decisions about their land, waters and futures. You’ll be part of a committed legal team working alongside Traditional Owners, anthropologists, policy specialists and regional staff.What’s in it for you?We offer competitive remuneration and benefits under the NLC Enterprise Agreement, including:Competitive minimum salary Package between $100,812 and $166,201 subject to years of experience post admission Inclusive of 15% SuperannuationSalary Sacrificing of up to $15,900 plus meal entertainment card benefits5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave and paid Christmas close-downAnnual airfare after 12 months of serviceProfessional development and meaningful career pathwaysHow to ApplyInterested applicants should submit a current CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position.Applications Close: Tuesday, 24th February 2026Enquiries: Dominic Gomez on 0428798719This position is designated prioritised for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants under section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT).Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.About the Northern Land CouncilThe Northern Land Council is an independent statutory authority established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. We support Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the Top End to protect land and sea rights, strengthen governance and pursue social, cultural and economic aspirations. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to our work. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. L27 Lawyer AUD Darwin 0800

Lawyer

Location: Darwin
Status: Full-time Ongoing

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is seeking skilled and committed Lawyer to join our Legal Services team. This is a unique opportunity to practise law in a values-driven organisation that supports Aboriginal land rights, self-determination and strong governance across the Top End.

About the Role

As a Lawyer at the NLC, you will provide high-quality legal advice and representation on matters affecting Aboriginal land, sea and cultural rights. Working closely with Traditional Owners, Council Members and internal stakeholders, you will contribute to decision-making under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the Native Title Act 1993. To enable Traditional owners to make decisions based on free and prior informed consent

You will support negotiations, agreements and statutory processes across a broad range of matters, including land use, governance, commercial agreements and regulatory compliance. The role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and regular engagement with Aboriginal communities.

What You Will Bring

You are a capable and ethical legal professional who values purpose-driven work and understands the importance of culturally safe practice. You bring strong legal judgement, clear communication skills and the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical advice that supports informed decision-making.

You enjoy working collaboratively, balancing competing priorities, and contributing to outcomes that respect Aboriginal law, culture and governance systems.

In addition, you will have:

  • Admission to legal practice in a supreme court of state or territory of Australia and at least 3 year post-admission or experience in legal practice or equivalent legal experience or knowledge.
  • Experience and proficiency in legal drafting.
  •  Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and clients 
  • Sound time management and organisational skills, including a demonstrated capacity to perform under pressure, effectively manage a busy workload, and consistently meet deadlines 
  • Current C Class Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel to remote communities

For a full copy of the Position Description, please refer to the link provided.

Why Join the NLC?

Working at the NLC offers a rare opportunity to practise law in a way that directly supports Aboriginal people to exercise their rights and shape decisions about their land, waters and futures. You’ll be part of a committed legal team working alongside Traditional Owners, anthropologists, policy specialists and regional staff.

What’s in it for you?

We offer competitive remuneration and benefits under the NLC Enterprise Agreement, including:

  • Competitive minimum salary Package between $100,812 and $166,201 subject to years of experience post admission Inclusive of 15% Superannuation
  • Salary Sacrificing of up to $15,900 plus meal entertainment card benefits
  • 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave and paid Christmas close-down
  • Annual airfare after 12 months of service
  • Professional development and meaningful career pathways

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a current CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position.

Applications Close: Tuesday, 24th February 2026
Enquiries: Dominic Gomez on 0428798719

This position is designated prioritised for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants under section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT).

Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.

About the Northern Land Council

The Northern Land Council is an independent statutory authority established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. We support Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the Top End to protect land and sea rights, strengthen governance and pursue social, cultural and economic aspirations. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to our work. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

L27 Lawyer