Staff Lawyer

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Staff Lawyer to join our team at the BC First Nations Justice Council. As a Staff Lawyer, you will play a critical role in reducing the over-representation of Indigenous children and youth in care and reducing the number of Indigenous people incarcerated in the criminal justice system.

• Provide legal representation for child protection and criminal matters to clients who would not otherwise have legal representation;
• Advocate on behalf of clients for the diversion of their legal matters from the formal court system to less intrusive measures, including Indigenous intervention protocols, First Nations Courts, Indigenous justice processes, alternative dispute resolution processes; mediation and restorative justice processes where appropriate;
• Work with the Resource and Support Worker to provide wrap-around services that meet the needs of your client;
• Develop and maintain working relationships with Indigenous communities and service providers, probation, diversion, crown counsel and other crown agencies;
• Collaborate with Indigenous, local, provincial and federal government agencies and service providers to ensure clients have access to culturally safe and Indigenized programs and services needed to provide them with support and to assist in ensuring their children remain out of MCFD care and their members remain outside of the criminal justice system;
• Maintain documentation, comprehensive and up-to-date client files;
• Compile and submit statistical data where required;
• Other duties as assigned.

• A member of the Law Society of British Columbia in good standing;
• J.D. / LL.B.; Advanced Degrees and/or Joint J.D./J.I.D. are considered an asset;
• 1-5 years' experience in litigation, preferably in the practice of child protection with some criminal background experience;
• Knowledge of local and urban Indigenous cultures;
• Ability to provide a culturally safe environment for clients;
• Knowledge of the structure and procedures of Canada's Criminal Justice System, including knowledge of the criminal law, Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Crown Counsel Policy Manual (in particular charge assessment guidelines), Gladue principles and case law;
• Knowledge of the structure and procedures of British Columbia's child protection system, including the Child Family and Community Services Act, and Bill C-92 – An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families;
• Knowledge of local agencies that offer indigenous/restorative justice services, and support services to offenders, and to children, youth and families;
• Knowledge of the following documents is an asset: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action;
• Self-motivated individual with the ability to work with minimal supervision in a team-oriented setting;
• Strong organizational, case and file management skills, stress management and time management skills;
• Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; have effective verbal and listening communication skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, problem solve and take initiative;
• Valid Driver's License, the use of a vehicle and ability to travel.

The Staff Lawyer will report to the Regional Legal Supervisor and will be based in Prince Rupert, BC. The position offers a full-time (35 hours/week) schedule, with the option for a 75% in-office minimum work arrangement.

The BC First Nations Justice Council offers an extended benefits package that includes health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans.

The salary for this position will be commensurate with education and experience, ranging from $90,000 to $150,000.