Vancouver-based West Coast Environmental Law has an immediate opening for a full-time staff lawyer who is passionate about using their legal skills in service of environmental justice. Flexible hours and/or remote work from another BC location are possible.
This position is with West Coast’s Access to Justice program, which provides environmental legal services through:
- a free summary legal advice service that offers legal assistance by way of a dedicated call-in telephone line and email, and
- the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF), which is a fund established for the purpose of assisting clients to cover a portion of their legal and expert costs to protect the environment.
The successful candidate will:
- have strong general experience in environmental and natural resources law in British Columbia, with Indigenous and Aboriginal law experience as an asset;
- be familiar with the role of legal strategies in community-based environmental campaigns, and adept at identifying and supporting local groups who have the potential to use legal support as part of broader strategies to achieve their objectives; and,
- bring a commitment to, and experience with, trauma-informed legal practice and innovative approaches to advancing environmental justice.
A communicator and problem solver, with solid organizational skills, the Access to Justice staff lawyer will provide senior legal guidance for West Coast’s Access to Justice program and, when requested, to other law reform or legal projects at West Coast. Together with a small team, the Access to Justice staff lawyer will be responsible for providing summary legal advice by phone and email to individuals, community groups and First Nations around the province on environmental matters; for advising the management committee of West Coast’s Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF); and for providing mentorship and senior legal guidance to junior lawyers and students.
With respect to the EDRF, the staff lawyer will provide legal guidance to potential applicants, support board decision-making about EDRF grants and liaise between clients and a network of lawyers province-wide who provide partially pro bono environmental legal services through the EDRF.
Remuneration: $88,000-$108,000 depending on year of call (based on required minimum 5-year call, 10-year+ call preferred) plus competitive vacation and benefits package, including pension (RRSP contribution) after one year of employment. Applicants seeking remote work arrangements should be prepared to attend at the West Coast Vancouver office at least once a month.
About West Coast Environmental Law: West Coast Environmental Law harnesses the power of law to solve complex environmental challenges. We work to transform environmental decision-making and strengthen legal protection for the environment through collaborative legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law.
To apply: Please send CV and cover letter by August 23, 2024 to admin@wcel.org with “A2J Lawyer” and your full name in the subject line.
West Coast Environmental Law aims to promote equity and challenge discrimination. We recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, races, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, abilities and beliefs. We strongly encourage Indigenous and/or IBPOC (Indigenous, Black/Brown and People of Colour) individuals to apply.
We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices. Applicants with a disability or any specific needs may make a request for accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Such requests should be communicated to Milena Cunha, Administrative Coordinator – mcunha@wcel.org
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.