Native Title Lawyer

Job Description

Join the Queensland South Native Title Services Team as a Lawyer and Make a Real Difference in to lives of the Indigenous People of Queensland!

Are you a skilled lawyer looking for a meaningful career where you can use your skills to make a real impact on people’s lives? Do you want to work for an organisation that values its employees and offers a supportive, inclusive, and diverse workplace? If so, QSNTS is the right place for you!

As a Lawyer at QSNTS, you will have the opportunity to work on some of the most meaningful and impactful legal work in Australia. You will provide comprehensive legal services as a member of the broader QSNTS legal team and a smaller interdisciplinary service delivery team.

You will assist with the:

• Preparation, authorisation and commencement and progression of native title determination applications and compensation applications under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA)
• Provision of legal services to Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs)
• Providing assistance with matters, issues and negotiations under the Future Act regime of the NTA and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (QLD) (ACHA).

Your role will involve:

• Providing high-quality legal advice and assistance to Traditional Owners, claim groups, and community members in relation to native title claims. Native title compensation and related matters
• Providing high-quality legal advice and assistance to PBCs in relation to the management of the Indigenous estate for which they are responsible and compliance with relevant legislation and their obligations as Trustee or Agent
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents, including native title claim applications, affidavits, advice, and reviewing and critiquing expert reports
• Conducting legal research and analysis to support the development of native title claims and compensation claims including analysing historical and cultural materials, mapping, and consultation with Traditional Owners and community members
• Representing clients in native title proceedings, including participating in mediation and attending meetings with stakeholders
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with our clients to ensure that our services meet their needs and expectations
• Contributing to the delivery of QSNTS’ strategic direction and legal practice in native title law

We are looking for a lawyer who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of Aboriginal people. You will have the following skills and experience:

• Must be qualified and admitted legal practitioner in Queensland, with a current Practising Certificate and enrolled on the Roll of Practitioners maintained by the Registrar of the High Court of Australia
• Possess a strong understanding of relevant areas of law, such as native title law, corporations law, contract law, trusts law, and property law
• Possess some litigation experience. That experience will preferably be in the Federal Court with court appearances, knowledge of procedures, including drafting court documents
• Ability to engage in sensitive negotiations relating to the resolution of native title determinations or compensation applications, as well as commercial matters (e.g. Future Acts and Cultural Heritage Agreements) arising in the context of those applications
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills, including the ability to analyse complex historical and cultural materials
• Strong drafting and communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise legal documents and reports
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Exhibit knowledge of the cultural, political, economic, environmental, and social issues that impact First Nations people
• Must be able and willing to travel throughout Queensland regularly and possess a current open driver’s license

QSNTS’s employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and grow.

We offer a range of employee benefits and programs designed to promote work-life balance, career development, and personal growth.  Some of the employee benefits that we offer include:

• Competitive salary packages
• Salary Sacrifice
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program
• Cultural awareness training
• Health and well-being initiatives
• Additional 7-Day paid shutdown during the Christmas / New Year period

QSNTS is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from diverse cultural backgrounds

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

If you are ready to embrace the challenge of native title law and make a real impact on people’s lives, we would love to hear from you!

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected] or click APPLY NOW.