David Woodroffe is descended from the Jingili Modburra clan group.
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’.
Since his admission in 1999, David’s passion and vision has seen him succeed as a lawyer, an advocate and a leader for his people. His dedication and skill in these roles have earned him the respect of his colleagues and the communities in which he has worked.
He is amongst the first cohort of Indigenous law graduates in the Northern Territory and is currently one of the most senior Indigenous lawyers in the nation. To the many Indigenous law students, graduates and lawyers who have followed his path he has served as a leader, mentor and friend.
David has been a strong supporter of CDU including as a guest speaker at key events to serving as a guest speaker in law courses and participants of the CDU Indigenous Pre-Law program over a period spanning more than 20 years.
David is the Principal Legal Officer for the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA). NAAJA is the largest legal service in the Northern Territory delivering culturally appropriate services in criminal, family and civil law, law and justice, community legal education, Indigenous Prisoner Through care, Law and Justice and Custody Notification Service. David is responsible for 160 staff of which 80 are lawyers and 50% of the employees are Aboriginal.
David is a very well-regarded manager who shows real leadership for his team. He is also a dedicated and passionate lawyer who delivers a highly professional service and enjoys the respect of his colleagues. He has represented Aboriginal people at Bush Courts, Magistrate Court and Supreme Court.
In 2013 David’s demonstrated excellence was recognized with the National Indigenous Legal Professional of the Year Award and he won the Australian Human Rights Commission Law Award 2017.
David is a champion of Aboriginal rights and justice for Aboriginal people.
He served a prominent role at the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT, leading NAAJA’s response including leading a specialised legal service representing people before the Royal Commission.