Managing Lawyer, PLC Surrey

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

LEGAL AID BC

POSTING

TO: LABC STAFF (cc: PEA)

FROM: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

until January 17, 2025, or the return of the incumbent

COMPETITION NO: P050-23

DATE POSTED: October 24, 2023

STARTING DATE: ASAP

SALARY CLASSIFICATION: Maximum Year Call 16

SALARY: Based on year of call - $70,931.93 (Yr1) to $141,376.75 (Yr16) + 10% Staff Lawyer Benefit Plan (As per the PEA Salary Schedule)

Legal Aid BC is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the future of legal aid. We care deeply about the culture we are building and are looking for staff members who not only excel in their respective areas but are also passionate about supporting the people we serve and each other. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Reporting to an Excluded Manager, the Managing Lawyer is responsible for managing an Office and providing legal counsel in one or more areas of law practiced in that office within the context of Legal Aid BC (LABC) policies and procedures. This role involves overseeing the delivery of professional legal services, supervising operations and resources, and liaising with the Vancouver Regional Centre on various initiatives.

The following job duties are illustrative examples and shall not be construed as an exhaustive description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

DUTIES:

• Provide summary legal advice, information, and individual case representation primarily in family and child protection law, with some involvement in poverty and criminal law services as needed.
• Develop solutions to legal problems, focusing on early resolution, and represent clients, including hearings and trials in Provincial and Supreme Court.
• Plan, direct, and manage the activities of the Office to ensure effective and efficient delivery of mandated and contracted services.
• Supervise a team of lawyers, paralegals, and intake staff, including performance planning, coaching, and feedback. Monitor and evaluate probation/trial periods, conduct staff lawyer file reviews, ensure compliance with timekeeping systems and caseload targets, and handle disciplinary matters in consultation with Human Resources.
• Provide leadership and direction for staff development, establishing individual performance goals and objectives.
• Mentor and coach junior and intermediate staff lawyers while maintaining an active senior-level practice caseload.
• Report to the Manager on Office operations, staff performance, training, and disciplinary matters.
• Manage expenses within approved budgets, including authorizing expenditures, approving overtime, vacation/sick leave, and travel expenses for all staff.
• Oversee office procedures and administrative systems, including intake procedures and case acceptance criteria, in accordance with LABC policy and standards.
• Develop a strategic annual service delivery plan in consultation with staff.
• Assess client needs, liaise with lawyers and community groups, and participate in corporate planning activities to establish goals and priorities.
• Stay informed about developments impacting the delivery of LABC programs and services, informing the Manager of relevant issues and developments.
• Build relationships and partnerships with the Indigenous community, attending cultural events and conferences to network, raise awareness of LABC services, present information, and identify community needs.
• Develop and conduct workshops on various issues related to family law, child protection, and mediation for band members, Chiefs and Councils, and community members.
• Establish, administer, and manage pilot projects, programs, and contracts, including case management, quality assurance, and out-of-mandate services.
• Liaise with private bar lawyers, courts, and community groups across B.C. regarding legal services and initiatives.
• Participate in community-based public legal education and community development projects, including attending Canadian Bar Association meetings and functions.
• Coordinate office resources with other community groups providing complementary or related services.
• Provide assistance to the LABC Audit and Investigation Department as required.
• Meet time keeping and file management requirements as set out by LABC.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Law Society of British Columbia.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience at the Bar in British Columbia or equivalent experience in another Canadian jurisdiction.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management/supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in family and child protection law, with additional experience in poverty law and criminal law considered an asset.
• This position requires some travel and a valid BC driver's license.
• Must be willing and able to travel throughout BC.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong supervisory and management skills, including leading, coaching, and directing staff, managing staff lawyer caseloads, and maintaining timekeeping systems. Preferably, experience in a complex organizational environment.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to foster collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Familiarity with LABC policies and procedures.
• Experience in working with and maintaining community contacts.
• Interest in and experience with public legal education.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Skill in defusing stressful situations and using tact when interacting with clients and the general public.
• Proficiency in computer skills and a good understanding of utilizing new technologies in a dynamic work environment.
• Considerable experience in business planning, budget management, and office administration.
• Excellent management skills and the ability to handle multiple issues simultaneously while meeting heavy case and workload demands within specified deadlines.
• Ability to develop creative solutions to clients' legal problems.
• Familiarity with administrative principles, practices, policies, and legislative developments relevant to Indigenous programs, services, and activities.
• Awareness of government laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples.
• Ability to communicate and establish rapport with Indigenous people and their communities, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural and Nation differences.
• Understanding of Indigenous issues, cultures, history, Indigenous community groups and agencies, and current challenges facing Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of traditional Indigenous justice concepts, alternative measures, mediation, and diversion practices.
• Demonstrated awareness of cultural diversity issues within the region and experience working with low-income individuals with special needs, such as unique social and economic circumstances, language and literacy considerations, and other challenges.

Employment is conditional upon completing and obtaining clearance from the following:

• Criminal Record Check (CRC) in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act
• Law Society Check
• Current and previous vendors with Legal Aid BC are subject to a standard internal review of audit and investigation files

We offer (based on your employment status and affiliation):

• Four weeks paid vacation to start that grows the longer you’re with LABC
• An excellent employee benefits package, where premiums are 100% paid by LABC
• Support for training and development
• Pension plan
• An employee and family assistance counseling program
• The opportunity to participate in various Employee programs (Employee Wellness, etc.)
• Generous leave provisions (sick time, special leaves)
• Modified work week/flex time for some positions
• 13 paid statutory holidays
• An opportunity for a flexible hybrid work arrangement for some positions (LABC reserves the right to change this policy at any time)

We would like to thank all external applicants for their interest but regret that only those shortlisted will be contacted.