The Northern Territory's first Aboriginal judge was sworn in Tuesday morning, with veteran justice advocate David Woodroffe appointed as a Judge of the Local Court.

Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Stephen Southwood swore in Judge Woodroffe at a ceremony at the Supreme Court of the NT.

Judge Woodroffe has been acting in the position since July 2022, prior to which he was the Principal Legal Officer at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA).

Judge Woodroffe is a descendent of the Mudburra and Jingili people from around the Newcastle Waters region in the centre of the Northern Territory. His grandmother and father were members of the Stolen Generations, something which drove him to fight for a more just society throughout his life.

The judge paid tribute to his family after being sworn in.

"I think back to my grandmother…and I also think back to my father who is no longer here for his love and encouragement to me throughout my life and to all my family," he said.

"I also think of the future. To play a small part in the greater diversity of the justice system of the Northern Territory and the inclusion of Aboriginal people within it.

"The importance and fundamental importance and the positive role of Aboriginal people in the justice system, whether that sits through lawyers in all fields of practice, justice workers, short officers, secretaries and correct court staff and correctional services, all point to greater inclusivity of Aboriginal people within the justice system and a positive outcome for all people in the Northern Territory."

Judge Woodroffe studied law at the Northern Territory University and was a member of the first cohort of Aboriginal lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of the NT in 1999.

He has since worked as a criminal lawyer and trial advocate with Aboriginal legal services across the Northern Territory and in Western Australia.

Over the course of his career to date Judge Woodroffe has been honoured with awards including the National Indigenous Legal Professional of the Year, the Australian Human Rights Commission Law Award, the Charles Darwin University Indigenous Alumnus Award, and the Charles Darwin University Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said she was "incredibly proud" to announce Judge Woodroffe as the Northern Territory's first Aboriginal judge.

"Judge Woodroffe is a true local. He was born, raised and educated here in the Territory, and has a family heritage that traverses many thousands of years. He also has an extensive legal background, particularly within Aboriginal legal aid services," she said.

"This appointment sets a precedent that paves the way for more Aboriginal people to join the ranks of our home-grown legal fraternity."