Senior Solicitor – Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage

Attorney-General's Department; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 142,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Solicitor – Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage role with the Attorney-General's Department (SA) leads legal work on native title recognition and compensation, and advises on Aboriginal heritage issues for the State of South Australia. The position requires strong legal analysis and collaboration with senior solicitors and external counsel.

You will review legislation and case law, analyze complex materials, and contribute to strategic advice across the Commercial, Environment and

Qualifications

• Analyzing legal principles, legislation and case law for native title matters.
• Advising on Aboriginal heritage issues and related claims.
• Supporting junior solicitors and coordinating with counsel on complex matters.

Responsibilities

• Respond to native title recognition claims and claims for native title compensation on behalf of the State.
• Advise and represent the State in Aboriginal heritage matters.
• Review historical, ethnographic and linguistic materials to support legal judgments.

Skills

Legal analysis

Native title knowledge

Court/advisory experience

Education

Admitted to practice in SA

Job description

Senior Solicitor – Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage

Classification: LEC4 – LEC5
Salary Range:

LEC4 $142,323-$153,824 + Superannuation

LEC5 $165,746-$180,058 + Superannuation

Duration: Up to 12 months
Vacancy Type: Full Time
Number of Positions Available: 1
Closing Date: 11:3pm, Thursday 29 October 2026

About the Opportunity

Join a dynamic legal team responding on behalf of the State of South Australia to historic dispossession, and providing practical reconciliation. You will support more junior solicitors and work together with other senior solicitors and counsel in responding to native title recognition claims and claims for native title compensation, as well as advising and representing the State in Aboriginal heritage matters. The role requires the analysis of legal principles, legislation and case law, as well as the review of historical, ethnographic, anthropological, archaeological and linguistic materials. You will also have opportunities to support the work of the wider Commercial, Environment and Native Title section.

About the Business

The Crown Solicitor's Office, through the Attorney-General, provides legal services to government, Ministers, agencies and departments, including legal advice, representation before courts and tribunals, negotiating commercial contract, drafting and production of legal documents, counsel for the conduct of summary prosecutions and Magistrate's appeals, native title claim management, land conveyancing and investigation services.

Employment is dependent upon a National Police Certificate clearance that the AGD finds satisfactory. Successful applicants will be provided further information if an interview is requested. Forms are not to be lodged directly with SA Police (SAPOL) under any circumstances and any fees incurred by applicants in doing so will not be recoverable from the AGD.

Some out of hours work may be required.

Must hold a current Australian issued driver’s licence (equivalent to minimum class C).

Must currently possess or be eligible to obtain an unrestricted practicing certification within South Australia.

Additional Notes

You will be prompted to attach your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter (2 pages) after you have answered the questions via the link below. For more information please download the Job Application Pack and Job and Person Specifications.

For further information about this exciting opportunity that is not covered by this website please contact Sam Whitten, Assistant Crown Solicitor on (08) 000 or [e-mail]

The Attorney-General’s Department values workplace diversity and is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and respectful work environment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and people with disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

The South Australian public sector supports flexible ways of working including part-time working arrangements wherever reasonably possible. The sector is diverse and desires to increase in diversity and to create opportunities for more South Australians.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application via the contact above or our website https://www.agd.sa.gov.au/ .