At a Glance
- Tasks: Embark on an adventure while building your legal career across the stunning Top End.
- Company: Join the Northern Land Council and make a real difference in Aboriginal communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid training, travel opportunities, and generous leave provisions.
- Other info: Two graduate positions available; apply with a friend for this exciting opportunity!
- Why this job: Experience hands-on legal work in remote locations and gain unique perspectives.
- Qualifications: Recent law graduates or soon-to-be graduates with a passion for public interest law.
The predicted salary is between 93628 - 93628 $ per year.
Status: Full-time, Fixed-Term (2-Year Graduate Program)
Salary Package: $93,628 Per Annum (Inclusive of 15% Superannuation)
Not all legal careers start in a city office. Some start with adventure on dusty roads, wetlands, escarpments, remote airstrips and communities across the Top End of the Northern Territory. Situated in the Northern Land Council's new Darwin headquarters, you'll build your legal career while travelling to some of the most remote and spectacular places in Australia. One week you might be working with experienced lawyers on Aboriginal Land Rights matters, the next you could be travelling to a remote Top End community by 4WD, light aircraft or boat. The Northern Land Council region covers more than 210,000 square kilometres of land and approximately 85% of the Northern Territory coastline. There will be no time to get bored.
This is an opportunity to complete your Practical Legal Training (PLT), work towards admission as a legal practitioner, and gain hands-on experience in Aboriginal Land Rights, Native Title, land claims, resources and energy projects, governance and community development. Forget filing papers in the corner of a big city office. Your career won't be confined to a desk. At the NLC, you'll build real-world legal skills while travelling across the Top End and working on matters that make a genuine difference. You'll gain unique experiences, broaden your perspective and build a career that sets you apart from other graduate lawyers.
Who we're looking for?
- You have recently completed, or are about to complete, a recognised Australian law degree and are ready to start your legal career.
- We have two graduate positions available, so tell a friend.
- You’ll bring:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) or be nearing completion.
- Respect for Aboriginal cultures and perspectives.
- Strong research, writing and communication skills.
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- An interest in public interest law and working with communities.
- A willingness to travel and work in remote locations and get your boots dusty.
- A current driver's licence or the ability to obtain one.
What’s in it for you?
- Practical Legal Training (PLT) while you are paid to work.
- Experience working directly with Aboriginal communities and organisations.
- Mentoring from experienced Professionals.
- Rotations across legal practice areas.
- Travel throughout remote and regional Northern Territory.
- A legal career that combines purpose, challenge and adventure.
- Complete your Practical Legal Training (PLT) with all fees fully funded by the NLC.
- Paid study leave.
- Paid relocation.
We offer:
- A base salary of $81,416 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on Base and District Allowance.
- Salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2,650 per year.
- Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
- District allowance of up to $5,064 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,777 (DA1) without dependents.
- Generous leave provisions: 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave; Paid Christmas close down; Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,453.
The program will commence shortly, with commencement in Practical Legal Training beginning on Monday, 7 December 2026.
Applications Close: Thursday, 12 November 2026
This position is a prioritised position and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the selection requirements will be given priority consideration in accordance with the NLC's Special Measures provisions and Section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
Legal Graduate in Darwin employer: Northern Land Council
The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an exceptional employer located in Darwin, offering a supportive and culturally rich work environment where your anthropological and genealogical expertise can make a meaningful impact. With generous leave provisions, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to enhancing Aboriginal peoples' rights and interests, you will be part of a dedicated team that values cultural knowledge and fosters collaboration with Traditional Owners and communities. Join us to contribute to research that holds significant cultural and legal importance while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong sense of purpose.
