Full Job Description
THE ROLE
Position Type: New Position
We are looking to add a litigation associate to our team at OKT. In this role, the successful candidate will advise and support Indigenous peoples and organizations through advocacy in court and at administrative tribunals. Our litigation practice includes a wide variety of cases, from Supreme Court interventions and multi-year Aboriginal title trials, to small claims, environmental regulatory tribunals and judicial reviews. As part of our litigation group, you may have the opportunity to work on cases in the areas of constitutional law, corporate and contract law, environmental protection, employment law, election law, and many other topics - always focussed on supporting and advancing our clients' self-determination. As part of this work, you will be involved in all stages of the litigation process, from case planning to court to mediation and negotiation.
QUALIFICATIONS
3-6 years of demonstrated litigation experience.
Strong interest in Indigenous people's self-determination and Indigenous rights advocacy.
Excellent litigation skills.
Demonstrated excellence in written and oral advocacy.
Proven commitment to working with Indigenous people and governments.
Ability to develop creative legal arguments and strategies to solve problems and support Indigenous nations and their organizations.
Exceptional analytical, research and negotiation skills.
Knowledge and experience navigating court and administrative tribunal processes.
Desire to work in a hybrid environment from one of OKT's offices, with regular in-office collaboration and flexibility to travel to our clients' communities across Canada.
STRONG ASSETS
Familiarity with indigenous legal orders, languages and laws.
Experience litigating disputes related to Indigenous governments and businesses.
Demonstrated experience and excellence in litigation skills such as:
Drafting pleadings and affidavits.
Participating in case theory development and litigation planning.
Preparing, conducting and/or defending witness examinations.
Instructing and working with witnesses
Familiarity with commercial litigation.
Experience litigating in Western Canada, Atlantic Canada, or the Territories.
OKT is committed to excellence in the quality of our advocacy, in our relationships with clients, and in the way we work together. Our success is built on the strength of our client partnerships, the exceptional talent within our team, and an unwavering dedication to our clients' success.
We strive to foster a collegial, supportive, and inclusive work environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute, grow, and thrive. We offer a competitive salary, extended health benefits, a general spending account and a subsidized gym membership for articling students, associates, and support staff. For associates, we also provide a structured mentorship program to help you develop your skills, build confidence, and thrive in your legal career.
WORKING AT OKT
OKT understands today's expectations of a flexible work environment. At the same time, our work frequently takes us beyond the office and into the communities we serve, allowing us to build strong relationships and better understand our clients' needs.
Associates should expect to travel to client communities across the country by plane, train, and car as part of our commitment to providing meaningful, on-the-ground representation.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RECRUITMENT
OKT may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process, such as organizing applications or identifying relevant qualifications. AI is not used to make hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by our hiring managers and Human Resources professionals.
Any AI tools used are subject to appropriate privacy, security, and risk assessments and are applied in a manner consistent with OKT's commitment to fairness, inclusion, and human-centred decision-making.