Description
Vancouver Police Union (VPU) and the British Columbia Police Association (BCPA) — Labour & Employment Counsel
Who We Are
The Vancouver Police Union (VPU) is the certified bargaining agent representing over 1,450 front-line Vancouver Police Department members, including police officers, jail guards, and Special Constables. We protect and advance members’ workplace rights through effective, democratic representation grounded in evidence, policy, and legislation.
The VPU is affiliated with the British Columbia Police Association (BCPA), a provincial association that represents 15 municipal police departments with more than 3,000 municipal police officers in British Columbia through its member police unions/associations and provides provincial-level advocacy and labour relations support. From time to time you may be asked to provide legal guidance to the partner associations of the BCPA.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Labour & Employment lawyer to join our team in a full-time, permanent position supporting representation work across the policing labour landscape. This role is suited to a confident, practical adviser and advocate who can manage complex, high-stakes files with sound judgement, maintain trusted relationships, and contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen member representation.
What You Will Be Doing
In this role, you will be an experienced, hands-on counsel supporting the Union’s work, including:
- Providing strategic advice on complex labour and employment issues in a policing environment, including discipline, investigations, performance management, leave and accommodation, human rights, and return-to-work matters
- Supporting collective agreement administration and advising on workplace rights and processes under key legislation, including the Police Act, Labour Relations Code, Human Rights Code, and Workers Compensation Act
- Preparing for and providing advocacy in dispute resolution processes, including hearings, mediations, negotiations, and related proceedings, as required
- Drafting high-quality written materials (submissions, position letters, briefs, internal guidance, and related documentation)
- Managing files independently while collaborating closely with the Union’s leadership and staff to align legal strategy with organisational priorities
- Contributing to continuous improvement, knowledge-sharing, and the development of internal resources and practices
What You Will Bring
- Minimum 6 years labour and employment law experience (or equivalent experience), ideally with exposure to union-side representation and/or the public sector
- Strong advocacy, drafting, and advisory skills with an ability to deliver clear, practical, risk-based guidance
- Confidence managing files independently, setting strategy, and moving complex matters forward efficiently
- A collaborative, service-oriented approach and sound judgement in sensitive, high-trust matters
- Eligibility to practise law in British Columbia (or ability to become eligible)
Training & Support
You will have direct access to mentorship and practical file-based training from the VPU’s in-house counsel (50-year call), including guidance on policing-specific labour relations, statutory frameworks, advocacy strategy, and written submissions.
Compensation & Working Conditions
- Salary: $170,000 to $240,000 per year, commensurate with experience
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Vancouver-based), with occasional flexibility required for time-sensitive matters
- Benefits: Exceptional extended health and dental coverage, including robust mental health supports and other extended benefits
- Retirement: Potential pension and/or RRSP contribution options (details provided at the offer stage)
- Working environment: Stable, flexible, professional setting with a focus on sustainable workloads, respectful collaboration, and high-quality work.
- Will be provided an office with a small support staff that can assist with your work and necessary support materials.
- Office is located in the trendy Grandview- Woodland area attached to Commercial Drive. Parking will also be provided.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and résumé to VPU@VPU.ca with the subject line: Labour & Employment Counsel.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
