ASSOCIATE LAWYER – CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES/JURISDICTION AND SELF-GOVERNMENT PUBLIC LAW
Full Time
Victoria, BC, CA – Remote Employment Possible
ABOUT US
Mack Law Corporation is in the process of forming Lafond & Mack Law Group LLP (LMLG*), an Indigenous-owned and operated law group. Partners Leah Mack and Mary Ellen Turpel Lafond (Aki-Kwe), and fellow associates serve First Nation communities, individuals, and organizations in British Columbia and across Canada by supporting innovative approaches to resolving complex legal issues, with decolonial and rights-respecting strategic expertise.
Canadian law has been an instrument of control and harm for First Nations peoples, and our focus is working with First Nation communities, individuals, and organizations to remove legal barriers and obstacles, and to support the resurgence of Indigenous law and legal orders based on Indigenous rights, values, customs, practices, and self-determined priorities. We strive to use Canadian and Indigenous legal methods and approaches to promote long term change with practice shifts for better services, supports, and alignments of outcomes with First Nation rights and title.
Our primary office is located on unceded W̱SÁNEĆ territory, with a satellite office at Snuneymuxw First Nation. We acknowledge the W̱JOȽEȽP First Nation and Snuneymuxw First Nation, both Douglas Treaty Nations. Our lawyers work together to provide thoughtful, practical, and clear legal advice to First Nation communities, individuals, and organizations. Our team is passionate about cultural safety and humility and believes in justice and fairness. Our varied skills and backgrounds have allowed us to form a close-knit team that works hard to deliver the best advice, options, and tools for our clients.
PROFILE
Our firm is currently seeking a motivated Associate Lawyer to join us in supporting our First Nations clients engaging in governance and Indigenous law making, specifically in the area of child & family services, governance capacity and transitions from Indian Act governance to self-determined governance. This support will also require strategic advice on capacity, jurisdiction, and ensuring Indigenous laws are upheld, operational and enforced (development of tribunals and dispute resolution institutions). Our work includes supporting First Nations with Treaties, as well as those with no agreements with the Crown. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your practice while working with a team of experienced and friendly colleagues, and to contribute to long overdue positive changes for First Nations communities and citizens.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide high level legal services to First Nation clients aligning with the inherent right of self-determination, in children and family services, governance, and dispute resolution through the development and implementation of First Nations laws and policies.
- Work directly with clients to ensure that their Nation’s values, language, culture, practices, and traditions guide and inform the development of their laws and policies.
- Work effectively in a team environment to complete agreements and arrangements to enable such shifts, including in negotiations and discussions with governments, agencies, and stakeholders.
- Advocate at various levels of government, courts, and tribunals for our clients’ members or citizens by collaborating with community leadership, stakeholders, members, Elders and knowledge-keepers.
- Work with outside legal counsel in a respectful and collegial manner in common pursuit and support of First Nations justice and change.
QUALIFICATIONS
- LLB/JD with 5-8 years’ experience in Indigenous law, preferably with 5+ years’ experience in child & family services, family law, and/or child welfare work in related contexts
- Competency and knowledge of various child and family legal and policy issues impacting Indigenous peoples across Canada
- Exceptional client management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to quickly establish trust and credibility with clients based on cultural humility
- Solid legal research and drafting skills, as well as experience building long term team and client relationships
- Proven track record of advocating for Indigenous peoples, supporting people in vulnerable circumstances, and understanding of the impact of colonial laws and policies on Indigenous peoples
- Be a member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia (or other Canadian law societies)
- Travel requirement: In order to provide our best services to our clients across Canada, we often need to travel to their communities. As such, associates should expect to travel as needed
ADDITIONAL ASSETS
- Preference will be given to candidates with additional general expertise in the areas of First Nation rights, governance, elections, land use planning, territorial and marine defence, and housing.
- Member of the Law Society of British Columbia.
- Called to one of the bars of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or other jurisdictions.
- Preference will also be given to Indigenous applicants who self-identify.
Our firm recognizes diversity as a source of strength and celebrates inclusivity. We value every person as a unique individual, and we are committed to building a culture of equity and respect within our firm. We are honoured to receive applications from individuals of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the process, please let us know. We provide health & dental benefits/RRSP matching to our employees and are open to considering remote employment for the right candidate.
If you think you are the right fit for this opportunity, please send your CV in confidence to:
Janna Kucharsky
While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Note that a written component of the interview will be part of the application process if your application is screened for review.
*Please note that Mack Law Corporation is in the process of becoming Lafond & Mack Law Group LLP. As a result, our website details for the new firm will be updated shortly. In the interim, you can find out more about us at our website. If you have any questions about this transition, please contact Leah Mack.