Role Overview
The primary focus of the Associate is expected to be related to Aboriginal law, including Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, consultation and accommodation, and issues related to reserve and Aboriginal title lands, and Indigenous self-determination and jurisdiction. The Associate may also be involved in regulatory proceedings and other public law litigation, including constitutional, administrative, and municipal law matters.
Key Responsibilities
The associate will assist with major litigation files and may assume carriage of small to mid-size litigation and negotiation files. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and execute legal and litigation strategies
- Conduct research
- Draft correspondence, affidavits, pleadings and applications
- Draft legislation for Indigenous governments and implement or coordinate agreements with governments
- Interview witnesses and prepare evidence, and prepare for discovery
- Appear before courts and tribunals, including arguing applications and portions of oral submissions
- Facilitate community sessions on law-making and Elders' and knowledge keeper deliberations about the substance of Indigenous teachings and knowledge systems for law-making
- Prepare for trials, including developing questions and statements and appearing at all levels of court
- Support negotiations, including self-government, jurisdictional, and exploratory discussions leading to clients' exercise of jurisdiction and self-determination
- Manage files on behalf of our clients
- Appear before all levels of court
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will:
- Have over 8+ years of litigation experience
- Have experience in the various levels of court;
- Have strong skills in advocacy and oral and written communication
- Have excellent analytical, interpretive, research and drafting skills
- Have proven negotiation skills
- Have the ability to work independently
- Be familiar with civil procedures
- Be proficient at building relationships and working well in a team environment
- Be eligible to practice law in British Columbia as a member in good standing with the Law Society of BC
Any of the following would be considered as assets:
- Experience working for Indigenous communities or individuals
- Experience with Aboriginal and Constitutional Law
- Experience and knowledge of the regulatory hearing processes;
- Be familiar with negotiation and consultation processes involving Indigenous Nations, government and industry.
This job description may change at the discretion of JFK Law.
