Senior Legal Officer

Job description
Agency Department of Corrections Work unit Legal, Freedom of Information and Complaints
Job title Senior Legal Officer Designation Professional 3
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $117,625 - $131,735 Location Darwin
Position number 31791 RTF 355483 Closing 14/09/2026
Contact officer James O’Brien on 08 8999 8393 or james.obrien@nt.gov.au
About the agency https://corrections.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=355483
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective
To manage Department of Corrections’ responses to complaints and requests for Information in various fora and provide general in-house
legal services to the Department. This role is also responsible for managing litigation involving the Department that is before various
jurisdiction, including matters outsourced to external legal service providers. The role also involves directing the implementation of
departmental reforms in response to the identification of legal risk and judicial and para-judicial determinations.

Context statement
The Senior Legal Officer provides informed, expert, and legal advice to senior management and departmental staff in collaboration with
the Manager of Legal, Freedom of Information and Complaints. The position operates with autonomy and independence for various
functions required to be undertaken by the Officer. The Senior Legal Officer also provides informed operational advice and legal
instructions to external counsel and other stakeholders in collaboration with the Manager. The Legal Officer is integral to the Department’s
ability to identify information scheduled to be released that may have a larger Departmental impact be that by way of media or legal risk.

Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide legal advice and opinions on legal matters, court proceedings, operational and policy matters which impact on the Department

of Corrections.
2. Coordinate and manage matters under litigation, including establishing and maintaining effective relationships with external counsel

and departmental stakeholders.
3. Develop and maintain a high-level of knowledge of relevant areas of the law and of relevant practices and procedures.
4. Provide a high level of service to clients including preparation of court documentation, correspondence and other materials.
5. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and prepare and present legal concepts, positions or factual analyses clearly and

correctly.
6. Represent the Department of Corrections, liaise with clients and deal with people and issues in a professional manner.
7. Develop and deliver training as required to the Department of Corrections.

Selection criteria
Essential
1. Demonstrated ability to provide legal advice on complex and diverse legal issues, as well as the ability to identify legal issues and risks.
2. Well-developed legal research skills, and highly developed conceptual and analytical skills to progress solutions to complex policy

issues.
3. Proven organisational skills, including the ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing and changing

priorities.
4. Sound communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with influence, negotiate and resolve conflict, and

prepare briefings, statements, position papers and submissions.
5. Ability to interpret local and national policy, legislative issues and developments, including an understanding of the organisational

challenges across the Department of Corrections.
6. Admitted as an Australian legal practitioner and eligibility to obtain a local practising certificate.

Further information
Department of Corrections has a Smoke Free Policy, including e-cigarettes. Staff are not permitted to smoke anywhere on Departmental
premises, facilities or in vehicles, nor whilst working off-site. Successful applicants will be required to hold a current Working with Children
Clearance notice, complete a pre-employment questionnaire, and undergo a criminal history check prior to confirmation of employment.
A positive criminal history will not necessarily exclude an applicant from this position.