Expressions of interest for legal professionals

The Northern Land Council is seeking legal professionals at all levels for full-time or part-time positions in Darwin, NT, Australia. The role involves supporting Aboriginal Traditional Owners in land and water use matters, providing legal advice under relevant acts, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have a legal practicing certificate and experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a willingness to travel to remote locations.
Legal Professionals – Expressions of Interest

Location: Darwin

Status: Full-time / Part-time

Legal professionals: Open to EOI from all levels, paralegal, lawyer, senior lawyer

Use your legal expertise in a role that makes a real difference. At the Northern Land Council (NLC), our lawyers play an important part in supporting Aboriginal Traditional Owners to make informed decisions about their land and sea country. This is not your typical legal job—it's a chance to work alongside Aboriginal people, applying your legal skills to support self-determination, cultural authority, and lasting change.

About the Role

As an NLC lawyer, you will guide Traditional Owners through the consultation process to support free, prior and informed consent for a wide range of land and water use matters. You’ll provide legal advice and representation under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the Native Title Act 1993, as well as working on Resources and Energy sector projects such as exploration and mining.

Our legal teams work across a diverse practice, with matters spanning Land Rights, Native Title, and major project negotiations. Every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to support Aboriginal people to protect their rights, interests, and aspirations.

Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including anthropologists and regional officers, you will travel to remote and culturally significant areas, experiencing firsthand the richness of Aboriginal culture and contributing to generational change.

What You Will Bring

You are a skilled and thoughtful legal professional who values respect, integrity, and accountability in your work. You build trust easily, communicate with care, and are committed to doing work that has purpose. It helps to fully understand the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976 and Native Title Act 1993, but you must be willing and able to learn quickly in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

You will also have:
• A current legal practicing certificate in an Australian jurisdiction and at least 3 years’ experience practicing the law post-admission. (For paralegals this is not necessary)
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, government, and industry proponents.
• Strong time management, negotiation and advocacy skills
• A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive manual vehicles, with a willingness to travel regularly to remote locations.

Why Join the NLC?

The privilege of working with Aboriginal Traditional Owners is one of the most rewarding parts of this role. You’ll be part of a team that respects Aboriginal authority and supports communities to make decisions on their own terms.

As well as the opportunity to make a real impact, working at the NLC also includes:
• Competitive salary and salary packaging arrangements with the provision of a District Allowance
• An annual airfare benefit (after 12 months) with a net value of $2,961.
• 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave, and paid annual close down.
• Relocation assistance for interstate applicants.
• Access to professional development, including study leave and study assistance programs for career growth.

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

To Apply

Please submit:
• A cover letter outlining why you are interested in joining as at the
• A current CV.
• Copies of your qualifications and /or relevant certifications include your

Applications are welcome at any time.