Deputy Principal Legal Officer (DPLO)

Darwin-based role | Relocation assistance negotiable

What We Offer

• Generous salary + superannuation
• Up to $15,899 tax-free salary packaging
• 6 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Relocation assistance available
• Monthly Wellness Day
• A values-led, community-focused team driving real change in remote NT communities

About NAAFLS

The North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) is a not-for-profit organisation delivering holistic legal and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. With offices across the Top End, our work is grounded in cultural respect, community collaboration, and self-determination.

About the Role

The Deputy Principal Legal Officer (DPLO) is the second senior legal officer within NAAFLS and plays a key leadership role in supporting the Principal Legal Officer in the management, governance and continuous improvement of the legal practice.

Based in Darwin, the DPLO will provide leadership and supervision to solicitors across multiple offices, maintain oversight of legal quality and risk, and support the ongoing development of staff capability and service delivery systems. The role also carries a strategically managed caseload of complex, sensitive and high-risk matters across family law, domestic and family violence, and child protection jurisdictions.

The successful applicant will work collaboratively across the organisation and contribute to strategic planning, operational improvement, stakeholder engagement and the ongoing strengthening of NAAFLS’ bicultural practice model. Regular travel to remote Aboriginal communities will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision and mentoring to Solicitors, Graduate Lawyers and legal staff across NAAFLS offices.
• Support the Principal Legal Officer in the management, governance and continuous improvement of the legal practice.
• Maintain oversight of legal quality, risk management, compliance and professional practice standards.
• Manage a reduced caseload of complex, sensitive and high-risk family law, domestic violence and child protection matters.
• Champion NAAFLS’ bicultural integrated service delivery model and foster strong partnerships between Solicitors and Aboriginal Case Workers.
• Lead systems improvement initiatives, including legal processes, workflows, precedents and operational efficiencies.
• Represent NAAFLS in stakeholder meetings, courts, forums and community engagements as required.

About You

You are an experienced legal practitioner with a minimum of 5 years post-admission experience and eligibility to hold an unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory. Experience in family law, domestic and family violence, child protection, or related practice areas is essential.

Criteria - Essential

• Admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia and eligible to hold an unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory.
• Significant experience in family law, domestic and family violence, child protection or related legal practice areas.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring and developing lawyers or professional staff.
• Strong legal judgement with the ability to manage complex, sensitive and high-risk matters.
• Demonstrated understanding of legal governance, compliance, professional obligations and risk management frameworks.
• Commitment to culturally safe practice and the ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and colleagues.
• Strong communication skills, including with clients for whom English is not a first language
• High attention to detail and strong IT skills
• Willingness to travel to remote communities
• Current ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence and the ability to obtain a Working with Children Clearance and National Criminal History Check.

Desirable

• Experience working within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) or community legal services
• Experience in policy, advocacy and law reform
• Experience with funded programs, compliance and reporting
• Experience mentoring multidisciplinary teams
• Familiarity with culturally safe service delivery in remote settings

Why Join NAAFLS?

Work with a values-driven team grounded in Aboriginal leadership, culture, and community. Make a real impact and help shape safer futures.

Apply Now!

Closing Date: 21 May 2026 - please note that applications will be assessed as they are received.

Submit your application to SEEK or EthicalJobs with:

• Your updated resume
• A one-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria

For more information and a detailed Position Description, visit naafls.com.au

For role enquiries, contact hr@naafls.com.au

While NAAFLS is an equal opportunity employer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.