Staff Lawyer - Kelowna IJC

Organization Summary:
Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

We are a rapidly growing and dedicated team (6 Council members & 100+ employees) We currently have 10 IJCs (Merritt, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Chilliwack, Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Surrey and the Virtual IJC which serves Indigenous people across the rest of BC). We are opening 6 new IJCs this year. We are seeking team members who understand the gravity of this responsibility and are excited by the opportunity. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. We are seeking to hire staff who share our vision and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Position Summary:
The staff lawyer at the Indigenous Justice Centre (IJC) will use their legal skills to represent Indigenous clients facing criminal charges with an overarching goal of reducing the number of Indigenous people incarcerated with federal and provincial corrections. A secondary and minor focus will be to represent Indigenous clients involved in MCFD (child welfare) proceedings.

As legal counsel, you will be part of a team that strives to ensure that Indigenous persons who face the MCFD and Criminal Justice systems do not fall through the cracks that exist within those systems. You will work closely with Indigenous clients to help them access the legal supports and other social supports that effect their housing, employment, physical and mental health and wellness, necessary to address the challenges facing them in the child protection and criminal justice systems.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal representation for criminal and child protection 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
• Work with the Resource and Support Worker to ensure Indigenous communities and service providers are aware of your role and availability as legal counsel to 1.) assist Indigenous parents whose children are in care or at risk of being taken into care of MCFD, and 2.) assist Indigenous people who are charged with criminal offenses and who do not otherwise have access to legal representation
• Develop and maintain working relationships with Indigenous communities and service providers, probation, diversion, crown counsel and other crown agencies
• Work with clients with child protection matters and with their Indigenous communities and support teams to develop and propose alternate care plans that will keep children safe and with their family and communities where appropriate
• Advocate for Gladue Reports in all cases where the court must determine the client’s sentence
• 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

Qualifications and Work Experience:

• Membership in a Canadian Law Society, preferably British Columbia
• J.D. / LL.B.; Advanced Degrees and/or Joint J.D./J.I.D. are considered an asset
• 1-5 years litigation experience in criminal defence – exposure to MCFD (child welfare) matters would be an asset;
• 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, 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

Reporting: Provincial Director of the Indigenous Justice Centres
Location: Kelowna, BC (option for 75% in-office minimum work arrangement available)
Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans
Pay Range: $90,000 - $150,000 - salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Hours: Full-time (35hours / week); Mondays to Fridays

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.