David Woodroffe
This prestigious national award, presented by the Commonwealth Attorney Generals Department, was received by David in Alice Springs on the 26th of October 2013.
David is Manager of NAAJA’s Darwin Criminal Section, the largest and busiest criminal law practice in the Northern Territory.
David is a descendant of the Jingilli Modburra Clan Group, whose traditional lands are at Newcastle Waters 300 kilometres south of Katherine.
David commenced studying a Bachelor of Laws in 1994 at the Northern Territory University. Of his decision to study law, David says: ‘I wanted to study law for my family, so that in some way I could ensure that injustices such as the Stolen Generation would never happen to Aboriginal people and my family again’.
‘David was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in 1999 and has worked for over 14 years for Aboriginal Legal Services across the Northern Territory and in Western Australia. David has earned a reputation for representing Aboriginal people with fearlessness, dedication, intelligence and integrity. He is truly an ALS legend’ said NAAJA Chairperson Michael Petterson.
‘David has been a champion of Indigenous rights and justice for Indigenous people both in his daily work, the often unglamorous business of helping clients navigate a criminal justice system in which they are profoundly disadvantaged, and as a representative of NAAJA in public forums and the media. David’s passion and vision has seen him succeed as a lawyer, an advocate and a leader for his people’ said Mr Petterson.
‘We are extremely proud of David winning this prestigious award. He has worked so hard to provide Indigenous people with access to justice through high quality legal services and this is recognition of David hard work and dedication’, said Mr Petterson.
In honour of David, her Honour Sally Thomas, Administrator of the Northern Territory held a reception at Government House on the 12 March 2014. The event was attended by the Chief Justice of the Northern Territory, his Honour Justice Trevor Riley as well as the Member for Solomon, Natasha Griggs MP on behalf of the Commonwealth Attorney-General, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC.