The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) has proudly acknowledged the announcement of Mr Ganur Maynard as the 2024 national First Nations junior lawyer of the year. Mr Maynard, a criminal lawyer with NAAJA’s Darwin office, received his award at the recent national First Nations law awards in Melbourne.

Mr Maynard’s award recognises his commitment to justice and advocacy for First Nations communities and people, and his contribution to legal innovation and reform. At the centre of his commitment is a recognition of the right to self-determination and dignity of his clients. Mr Maynard is a leading criminal advocate for Aboriginal people and was part of civil proceedings brought by NAAJA that led to landmark systemic changes in policing and youth detention practices in the Northern Territory. He previously working alongside the Nja-Marleya Law and Justice Group and has a keen interest in assisting with the roll out of community courts in the West Arnhem region in December 2024.

NAAJA’s principal legal officer, Jared Sharp said, ‘Ganur’s dedication to achieving justice and his exceptional skills as a solicitor-advocate make him a standout in the legal profession. This award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges faced by First Nations people in the legal system’.