Environmental Defenders Office
Employer Spotlight: Environmental Defenders Office – Where Culture, Country and Justice Align
At Indigenous Job Match, we’re proud to spotlight organisations that go beyond good intentions and take meaningful steps to provide culturally safe workplaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is one such organisation—leading the way in combining legal excellence, cultural integrity, and climate justice.
About EDO: Justice Is in Their Nature
EDO is the largest public interest environmental law centre in the Australia-Pacific. Their mission? To protect our climate, communities, and Country through powerful legal advocacy, ground-breaking litigation, and community-focused outreach. But what makes them stand out is their deep respect for First Nations leadership and knowledge.
From the executive level down, EDO actively centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices. Their work acknowledges that First Nations peoples have been the original protectors of Country since time immemorial—and that no environmental justice is possible without First Nations justice.
A Culturally Safe Employer Backed by Action
EDO doesn’t just talk about inclusion—they walk it every day. They’ve embedded culturally safe practices across their governance and operations, including:
• Indigenous leadership at the Executive level
• A dedicated First Nations Strategic Advisory Committee
• A First Nations Program shaped by Indigenous-led consultancies
• Ongoing work towards a Reconciliation Action Plan
• Identified roles that value lived experience and cultural authority
Indigenous Job Match proudly considers EDO to be a culturally safe employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. Their structure, policies, and partnerships reflect a genuine commitment to cultural safety, truth-telling, and equity.
Current Opportunity: First Nations Outreach Solicitor
EDO is currently recruiting for a Senior Solicitor/Solicitor – Outreach (Identified Position) within their Country and Cultural Heritage Practice. This is a rare opportunity to combine your legal expertise with your lived experience as a First Nations person—advocating for cultural heritage and environmental protection hand-in-hand.
What You’ll Do:
• Deliver culturally safe legal education and outreach
• Work directly with First Nations communities and organisations
• Engage in law reform and policy work
• Build meaningful relationships with clients across diverse locations
What You’ll Need:
• A practising certificate (or eligibility)
• Experience in outreach, legal education, environmental or cultural heritage law
• A commitment to working with integrity, cultural sensitivity and justice for Country
This role is open to applicants across Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, with flexible working options and support for remote outreach.
Why Mob Should Apply
We know how important it is to feel safe and valued at work. At EDO, you’ll be joining a team that celebrates your identity, respects your story, and values your contribution—both professionally and culturally.
You’ll also access a generous package including:
• Up to $111,500 + 11.5% super
• 3 days paid cultural leave
• 8 weeks paid parental leave
• Additional leave over Christmas
• Flexible work-from-home options
• Strong wellbeing and mental health support
If you’re a First Nations lawyer passionate about environmental justice and ready to walk strong for Country and community—this could be the role for you.
Indigenous Job Match is proud to stand alongside the Environmental Defenders Office as they continue to show what it means to be a truly culturally safe, values-driven organisation.
