• We are seeking experienced lawyers, at the Senior Associate level or above, with a passion for Aboriginal social justice, land rights, and native title Law.
• This is the ideal opportunity for someone with an adventurous spirit seeking a new challenge, offering the chance to work and travel to some of Australia's most incredible places, including the iconic Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
• Generous salary circa $145,000 (negotiable) + 15.4% super + salary packaging, and additional benefits.
• Enjoy 5 weeks annual leave + additional paid Christmas closure period.
• Flexible working arrangements and relocation assistance including subsidised accommodation to help support your move to Alice Springs.

About Us

The Central Land Council (CLC) is a distinguished Commonwealth entity established by the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. Our Council is governed by 90 Aboriginal women and men elected by communities in Central Australia to represent them, fight for their rights, help them reclaim and manage their land, and realise the opportunities that come with the recognition of property rights. The CLC boasts a commendable 50-year legacy of advocating for Aboriginal peoples’ rights and interests. We are steadfast in speaking truth to power, representing, protecting, and advancing the rights and interests of Aboriginal people. 

Join our team and stand at the forefront of negotiating cutting-edge commercial and property agreements between Traditional Owners, businesses, and government entities in the Northern Territory. You will have the unique opportunity to work with and for Aboriginal communities to directly contribute to the realisation of their objectives for their land, shaping significant Territory and Commonwealth legislation, and supporting the self-determination and empowerment of Aboriginal people in Central Australia. 

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.clc.org.au/who-we-are/

We are delighted to announce openings for dedicated and passionate Senior Lawyers who are eager to contribute to the CLC's mission of protecting country and culture. 

About the Opportunity

As one of our Senior Lawyers, you will play a pivotal role in working on, and supervising junior lawyers dedicated to, protecting and advocating for the rights of traditional land owners under land rights laws as well as native title holders exercising rights under native title laws. Your expertise will be instrumental in advocating for Aboriginal people in legal matters relating to the use, development, and protection of Aboriginal land and land subject to native title. 

Your objective will involve more than just legal advocacy. It's about making a profound impact on the lives of Aboriginal communities by ensuring their rights and interests are protected and respected at every level.

These roles are primarily based in our Alice Springs office.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with the Principal Legal Officer, Legal Practice Manager, and other Senior Lawyers to supervise junior lawyers in your team
• Liaising with traditional owners and internal and external stakeholders
• Negotiating agreements and leases on behalf of traditional owners
• Preparing legal documents, including for land use agreements, law reform submissions, and litigation
• Providing legal advice and recommendations
• Providing support to traditional owners on their legal agreements as needed
• Supporting the Principal Legal Officer with any internal CLC legal matters

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please click here for a sample position description.

These roles offer an exceptional opportunity for senior lawyers with experience supervising junior lawyers and a deep passion for advancing land rights and native title rights. The roles would suit lawyers who are committed to supporting the self-determination of Aboriginal people and eager to elevate their career by making a significant legal impact within a purpose-driven, Aboriginal-led organisation.

What You'll Bring to the Team

As our Senior Lawyer, you will bring extensive experience in commercial or land and property law, proven experience supervising a team of junior lawyers, and a deep understanding of the Australian legal system.

Your passion for legal advocacy and social justice, supporting the self-determination of Aboriginal communities, will be crucial in this role. Leveraging your experience communicating with people from all backgrounds, including explaining complex legal concepts in plain language, will set you up for success.

As you are an experienced lawyer, you will be solutions-focused and able to maintain professionalism, as well as have extensive experience in drafting high-quality legal documents.

As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• An understanding and appreciation of the law, particularly commercial and property law 
• A willingness to learn about and practice in native title and land rights law
• Experience working in, or an understanding of, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, not-for-profits, or government
• Experience working with Indigenous clients or individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds

Additionally, we seek candidates with an adventurous spirit and a flexible attitude, ready to navigate a variety of legal matters in a truly unique environment. As a valued member of our team, you will benefit from the support and expertise of seasoned legal professionals, and you will be joining an organisation that truly values teamwork, support, and camaraderie. 

A Rewarding Role - In More Ways than One

With a competitive salary package circa $145,000 (negotiable) plus 15.4% superannuation, you will receive a range of generous benefits, such as:

• Salary packaging options that can increase your take-home pay by up to $29,000 p.a. depending on your individual circumstances 
• Annual airfare and district allowance to help you offset living and travel expenses ($1,300 airfare allowance per annum + $3,490 district allowance per annum ($6,400 if moving with dependants)
• Relocation assistance to help you make this vibrant region your new home
• Subsidised accommodation for the first four months (if relocating)
• Five weeks of annual leave PLUS an additional week of paid leave over Christmas/New Year
• Flexible working arrangements, including WFH opportunities and more.
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Be part of a family-friendly environment that respects your work-life balance
• Opportunity to work in and travel to some of Australia's most incredible places such as Uluru and Kata Tjuta
• Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities, so you can continue to grow with us

Ready to Apply?

If you're an experienced lawyer seeking a new and exciting role where you can make a difference, all while living and working in one of Australia's most scenic locations, we want to hear from you. Apply Now.