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.
West Coast is seeking lawyers who are passionate about using their legal skills to achieve environmental sustainability, social justice and Indigenous self-determination. We have openings for two full-time contract staff lawyer positions, with the potential for the positions to be extended or become permanent. Flexible hours and/or remote work are possible.
The ideal candidate will:
- be a thoughtful strategist with strong legal research and analysis skills;
- enjoy community outreach and coalition work, including facilitation of dialogue, deliberation and engagement;
- be an effective communicator, able to thrive in highly charged situations and adapt to changing conditions to get the job done;
- have training and experience with methodologies for learning, researching and articulating Indigenous law and/or in their own Indigenous legal tradition;
- have a strong understanding of Canadian and BC laws related to land and water protection, resource management and environmental decision-making;
- have experience in government relations, policy analysis and/or law reform work;
- have experience in supporting clients in achieving access to justice;
- be committed to advancing environmental justice and experienced with trauma-informed legal practice;
- have experience in public interest law and/or not-for-profit organizations;
- have experience in mentoring and/or supervising junior lawyers;
- be a member of the Law Society of British Columbia or eligible for transfer to BC.
Subject to distribution of work among the contract staff lawyer positions, responsibilities will include:
- developing and advancing legal solutions related to the environment and Indigenous rights, based on comprehensive research and analysis and in cooperation with Indigenous nations and organizations;
- engaging in advocacy for the reform of Crown laws related to land and water protection, resource management and environmental decision-making;
- providing summary legal advice to community groups, First Nations and individuals;
- providing legal support to Indigenous nations participating in RELAW (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air and Water) projects;
- contributing to and participating in RELAW co-learning retreats, and community-based workshops and focus groups about Indigenous law, if requested;
- building, strengthening and solidifying relationships to move legal issues/campaigns ahead in strategic ways;
- project management, reporting, and other organizational tasks that come with legal practice at a public interest, not-for-profit organization;
- mentorship and/or supervision of junior lawyers;
- internal collaboration with legal and non-legal staff on organizational projects and objectives.
Remuneration: $78,000 -$108,000 depending on year of call (minimum 5-year call preferred) plus competitive vacation and benefits package, including pension (RRSP contribution) after one year of employment.
*Deadline extended*
To Apply: Please send CV and cover letter by 11:59 pm on June 30, 2024 to admin@wcel.org with “Staff Lawyer” and your name in the subject line. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
At West Coast Environmental Law, we aim to promote equity and challenge discrimination. We recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, races, nationalities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs. We strongly encourage Indigenous, Black and racialized folks to apply.
We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices. Applicants with a disability or any special 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 admin@wcel.org.