Job Description

Strengthen Culture. Support Justice. Join us as a Casual Custody Notification Service Lawyer

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of Aboriginal people affected by the justice system? Do you have a criminal law background and a trauma-informed approach? NAAJA wants you.

As a CNS Lawyer, you’ll play a vital role in protecting the rights, wellbeing, and safety of Aboriginal people taken into police custody — providing immediate legal advice, advocacy, and support at one of the most critical moments in the justice process.

What are the benefits?

• Competitive salary $60.07 - $64.94 per hour (incl casual loading).
• Shift penalties for weekend, public holidays and out of hours work.
• Access up to $18,550 tax free salary packaging + professional development opportunities
• Flexibility to work from anywhere across Australia.

What you'll do:

• Provide high-quality, independent legal advice and welfare support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken into police custody via the 24/7 CNS phone line.
• Conduct welfare checks and ensure all duty of care requirements are met, including escalating concerns about health, safety, or wellbeing.
• Liaise with police, clients, families, and other stakeholders to ensure clients’ rights are protected and families are informed.
• Participate in the on-call roster, which includes after-hours, weekend, and public holiday shifts (depending on your availability)
• Contribute to NAAJA’s broader goal of reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system by providing critical front-line advocacy and early intervention.

Who are you?

What we are looking for you to bring to the role:

• Legal qualifications and eligibility to hold (or immediately obtain) a Northern Territory practising certificate.
• Sound knowledge of criminal law, police powers, and custody procedures.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to build rapport quickly with clients and liaise effectively with police and stakeholders.
• Strong professional ethics, cultural sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to client welfare.
• Availability to work flexibly across a 24/7 on-call roster, including after-hours, weekends, and public holidays.
• Ability to obtain a working with children clearance (ochre card) upon commencement

Applicants are asked to please provide a statement in your covering letter or application outlining your availability to cover shifts in our 24-hour service. An Application Pack attached below.

For further enquiries, please email - peopleandcapability@naaja.org.au. **Email applications will not be accepted**

Join us in creating safer, stronger communities across the NT – applications reviewed upon receipt!