Corporate Legal Counsel

**French posting to follow/affichage en français à suivre**

**Reports to**:CEO

**Term**:Permanent, FT

**Closing Date**:Open until filled

**Location**:Gatineau, QC

**Summary**

NWAC’s Legal Counsel must be comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment to respond to a wide variety of legal and social justice needs within the organization. These needs range from in-house corporate necessities to external advocacy and litigation.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that will make a difference in the lives of Indigenous women in Canada and around the world.

NWAC’s Legal Counsel must be licensed to practice law in the Province of Quebec.

**General duties**

Legal Counsel will:

- Conduct thorough legal research and analysis primarily in the area of Indigenous rights, particularly related to discrimination in matters of Indigenous membership rights;
- Prepare legal opinions and contribute to the development of accessible language summary documents;
- Draft and maintain corporate, litigation, and other legal documents;
- Draft correspondence with government offices, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public;
- Review and occasionally draft high-level policy documents and reports;
- Monitor, review, help develop, and change legislation affecting Indigenous women and girls;
- Maintain good relationships with government offices, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public;
- Independently attend meetings, briefings, and court events as required;
- Adhere to all standards of excellence in file management and record keeping;
- Travel as required to meet business needs;
- Competently and respectfully handle sensitive and difficult evidence and testimony;
- Provide sound legal advice to Executive Management and Board of Directors;
- Complete relevant administrative tasks;
- Sound knowledge of Employment Law
- Independently and as part of a team prepare all aspects of litigation files as necessary;
- Demonstrate a firm understanding of and adherence to Professional and Ethical requirements and expectations; and

**Studies & Professional Qualifications**
- Successful completion of a J.D. or LL.B (completion of a LL.L would be an asset);
- License to practice in Quebec, and in good standing with the law society;
- Demonstrated study or experience in Indigenous legal issues and Employment Law is an asset.

**Key Skills**
- Strong legal writing and verbal communication skills in English and French;
- Strong legal research skills;
- Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work independently and self-manage files;
- Ability to carry out culturally-appropriate gender-based analysis (training will be provided);
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize work effectively and under pressure;
- Ability to conduct research in cooperation and consultation with the NWAC PTMAs and with diverse stakeholders;
- Ability to facilitate meetings;
- Ability to carry out research, analyzes data, and advance effective advocacy and communication strategies under the supervision of the Legal Counsel, UNFCC, IHPP.

**Work/Volunteer Experience**
- Relevant experience working or volunteering with Indigenous peoples, groups, or organizations is an asset;
- Relevant experience working or volunteering with Not-for-Profit organizations or corporations is an asset.
- New calls welcome.

**Knowledge Requirements**
- Understanding of federal statutes and regulations, particularly those relevant to federally incorporated Not-for-Profit Corporations;
- Knowledge of legal issues important to Indigenous peoples, particularly as they impact women and girls;
- Some knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally, their cultures, histories and traditions;
- Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous issues, and norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights;
- Some knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally;
- Some understanding of social policy (including violence prevention and impacts, housing, etc.).

**Preference will be given to women and gender diverse people of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Metis, Inuit), please self-identify.**

**_We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted._**

**_Accommodations will be provided at all stages of the hiring process. We ask applicants to make their needs known in advance._**

**Résumé**

La conseillère ou le conseiller juridique de l’AFAC doit être à l’aise de travailler indépendamment dans un environnement très dynamique pour répondre à un vaste éventail de besoins juridiques et de justice sociale au sein de l’organisation. Ces besoins vont des éléments internes du fonctionnement de l’organisation à des fonctions de plaidoyer externe et de litige.

C’est une occasion passionnante de faire partie d’une éq