Managing Lawyer, Immigration Law Services

Managing Lawyer, Immigration Law Services P048-25 Job Description Posted Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Expires Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:59 AM LEGAL AID BC POSTING TO: LABC STAFF (cc: PEA) FROM: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT COMPETITION NO: P048-25 DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 15, 2025 CLOSING DATE: JANUARY 16, 2026 STARTING DATE: ASAP SALARY CLASSIFICATION: Maximum Year Call 17 SALARY: Based on year of call - $73,059.89 (Yr1) to $148,530.41 (Yr17) + 10% Staff Lawyer Benefit Plan (As per the PEA Salary Schedule) Legal Aid BC is in the early stages of, and committed to a transformative journey to embedding Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all aspects of our work. We seek talent from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, gender diverse, racialized, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community be a part of this exciting stage of Legal Aid BC’s growth. 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. All interested and eligible applicants will be considered with due consideration to all protected grounds under the BC Human Rights Code. If we can do anything to make your application experience a positive and equitable one, we want to hear from you on what we can do better. PRIMARY FUNCTION: Reporting to an Excluded Manager, the Managing Lawyer, Immigration Law Services is responsible for the overall management of LABC immigration law services including the development, implementation and advancement of immigration and refugee law strategies and projects in accordance with the LABC mandate, strategic framework and priorities. This position is responsible for the management and quality assurance monitoring of immigration and refugee tariff services throughout the province, including immigration duty counsel and immigration appeals. In addition, it provides support and advice to the LABC Board, Divisions and Committees and private bar lawyers with regard to immigration and refugee law matters and procedures pertaining to the provision of all immigration and refugee law services. 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. VALUES STATEMENT: Our commitment to the principles of fundamental justice embedded in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and to Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is ambitious and foundational. It informs everything we do, as we defend liberty, equality, autonomy, and dignity; as we dismantle colonization, racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia and homophobia, and all discrimination. These are our values, and they inform our hiring practices too. Our business is aiding people in severe legal distress and necessitates internal and external alignment of practicing these values. Integrating Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion throughout every aspect of Legal Aid BC is critical to building that culture, and we prioritize ongoing resources to achieve that goal. DUTIES: Provides support, advice and recommendations to the Manager, Criminal, Immigration and Appeals regarding management of immigration and refugee law services including tariff and duty counsel services, and other contracted legal services; Provides advice, support and direction related to immigration and refugee law services throughout B.C. by monitoring, communicating, interpreting and implementing policies, practices and standards; Provides legal support and resources to contractors and staff including advice and coaching in all aspects of immigration and refugee law, practice, procedure as well as all aspects of LABC immigration and refugee law policies and procedures; Establishes and manages new immigration and refugee law services pilot projects, programs and contracts; coordinates with other LABC departments, agencies, and stakeholders as necessary; Establishes and monitors budgets; and evaluates project, program and contracted services on an ongoing basis to ensure efficient and effective service delivery; Supervises, monitors, coaches and participates in selection of staff positions, including performance planning, coaching and feedback meetings. Monitors and evaluates the probation/trial periods of new staff; where applicable, conducts staff lawyer file reviews and ensures compliance with timekeeping systems and caseload targets; alerts and assists the Manager and/or Vice-President in issues of discipline in consultation with Human Resources; Assists in development of the immigration and refugee law services budget and manages expenditures within the approved tariff and department budgets, including authorizing expenditures, approving overtime, vacation/sick leave and travel expenditures for all staff within approved budget and allocated spending authority; Liaises and consults with staff from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Department of Justice, and other government agencies and community organizations regarding law, policies, processes and procedures to coordinate and improve immigration and refugee law services delivery; Oversees office procedures and administrative systems in accordance with LABC policy and standards and coordinates with other departments to streamline and improve systems and processes to promote efficient and effective immigration and refugee law services delivery; Participates in strategic planning, including development of new immigration and refugee law initiatives and changes to current policies, procedures, programs or projects, drafting issue papers and supporting other LABC divisions; Develops goals and priorities for the department, in accordance with LABC mandate and strategic framework, through ongoing assessment of client needs, liaison with lawyers, courts, tribunals, government agencies, immigrant and refugee-serving agencies, and other justice system participants; Represents LABC in multi-agency committees or working groups to identify and respond to legal developments and current challenges in immigration and refugee law practice and procedure and to design and implement changes in the immigration process, and related changes to LABC immigration and refugee law services delivery, to promote an efficient and effective immigration service delivery system and improve access to justice for those LABC serves; Maintains current awareness of developments in all matters impacting LABC immigration and refugee law services and the delivery of LABC programs and services, and apprises the Manager of issues and developments that could impact the LABC or its programs and services; Works collaboratively with lawyers and staff in other LABC departments to coordinate and improve service delivery; Identifies training needs for immigration and refugee lawyers, participates in organizational quality assurance initiatives, and implements quality assurance measures; may conduct reviews of duty counsel performance; Promotes immigration and refugee law services and other LABC initiatives; Liaises with private bar lawyers and their representative organizations, courts and community groups across B.C. to gather feedback and identify issues on matters of material interest relating to immigration and refugee law services and initiatives, including LABC immigration tariff and duty counsel services, immigration appeals, and contracted services; Makes presentations to the LABC Board, Executive, stakeholders and community groups; participates in committee work as assigned; and represents LABC at external meetings; Provides immigration and refugee law advice, support and assistance to other LABC departments, as required; Participates in development of the LABC online resources by writing material and reviewing material for legal content and accuracy with respect to immigration and refugee law matters; Provides coverage when needed for the Manager or other Managing Lawyers in the Criminal, Immigration and Appeals Department,; Performs other related duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS: Basic requirements A degree from a Law School of recognized standing 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 management/supervisory experience. Substantial experience in immigration and refugee law. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This position requires some travel and a valid BC driver’s license. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated expertise in substantive immigration law and immigration practice and procedure, including knowledge of Immigration and Refugee Board and Federal Court rules and practices. Strong supervisory and management skills in leading and developing best practices in immigration and refugee law service delivery. Demonstrated supervisory/management experience preferably in a complex organization environment. Demonstrated understanding of the issues facing immigration and refugee clients in BC and the diverse needs of BC immigrant communities. Excellent leadership skills with a proven track record for setting clear expectations, providing meaningful coaching and feedback, and creating an environment where employees are supported, motivated and able to do their best. Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and change management skills with a proven track record for securing the energy and commitment of others. Excellent ability to work effectively in a dynamic multi-disciplinary team environment and foster effective working relationships with peers, subordinates and external contacts. Excellent project management skills and the demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent resource management skills with experience in effectively and efficiently allocating people and resources to achieve goals. Excellent skills in the areas of strategy, planning, organizing, analyzing, and administering information, processes, initiatives, projects and programs in order to achieve goals. Awareness of, and commitment to, values of Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by providing services that reflect principles of gender equity, cultural safety, and anti-racism to promote equitable treatment and outcomes for clients from equity-seeking groups. Excellent problem-solving skills focused on achieving continuous improvement. Proven ability to make sound decisions that balance quality and timeliness with a full appreciation for their impact beyond own area of responsibility. Ability to function independently and under pressure and to support a variety of diverse and time-sensitive projects at the same time. Excellent financial management skills, with experience in managing and controlling budgets and expenditures. Solid computer skills together with a good understanding of the use of new technologies within a dynamic work environment and service delivery environment. Demonstrated knowledge of social justice community issues, Canada’s justice and legal system, and the diverse needs of the people LABC serves. Experience in presenting legal information and interpretation to both legal and lay audiences, especially in providing written submissions both within the organization and to external authorities. 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 are with LABC An excellent employee benefits package, where premiums are 100% paid by LABC Support for training and development An Employee and Family Assistance program The opportunity to participate in various Employee programs (Employee Wellness, etc.) Support for a healthy work/life balance Generous leave provisions (sick time, special leaves) 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) Transit friendly employer for eligible staff to have their commute subsidized Dog-friendly offices Dedicated Cultural Leave provisions for Indigenous employees An Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Indigenous employees Council and Accessibility Committee of employees from equity-seeking groups that advises on ongoing improvements and investments in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at our workplace We would like to thank all external applicants for their interest but regret that only those shortlisted will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr