2026 ARTICLED STUDENT - West Coast Environmental Law

CharityVillage; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public interest law organization in Vancouver seeks an Articled Student to contribute to environmental justice initiatives. This full-time, 24-month position offers a competitive salary and benefits, providing essential experience in legal practice focused on social justice and sustainability. Candidates will engage with communities to promote Indigenous rights and environmental governance, ensuring a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

RRSP contribution

Qualifications

• Canadian law degree required.
• Strong legal research and communication skills.
• Commitment to environmental justice is essential.

Responsibilities

• Use legal skills for environmental sustainability and social justice.
• Conduct legal research and provide analysis.
• Assist in navigating Indigenous law and rights.

Skills

Legal research

Analysis

Communication

Commitment to environmental justice

Trauma-informed legal practice

Education

Canadian law degree or National Committee of Accreditation Certificate of Qualification

Job description

Employment Opportunity: 2026 Articled Student

Application Deadline: 11:59pm PT on Tuesday June 30, 2025

Term: Full-time, 24-months (hire-back after articles is conditional on successful completion of the Law Society Admissions Program and a successful performance evaluation)

Location: Vancouver, BC or remotely from another BC location

Remuneration: $63,240 (includes salary during Professional Legal Training Course); Law Society Admission Program fees, competitive benefits package.

Vancouver-based West Coast Environmental Law is hiring for a two-year public interest articling /junior lawyer position. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about using their legal skills to achieve environmental sustainability, social justice and Indigenous self-determination as an articling student and junior lawyer.

About West Coast

West Coast harnesses the power of law to solve complex environmental challenges. Our team works to transform environmental decision-making and strengthen legal protection for the environment through collaborative legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law. By putting the law in the hands of communities, we are building the collective power to achieve a more just and sustainable future for all.
Learn more at www.wcel.org/our-story

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 applicants from equity-deserving groups, specifically Indigenous and racialized people, members of the LGBTQIA2S+, trans and gender-diverse communities, women, and people living with a disability, chronic illness and/or neurodiversity to self-identify so that we can prioritize your application.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Canadian law degree or National Committee of Accreditation Certificate of Qualification*
• Strong legal research, analysis, and communication skills, both written and oral
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice, Indigenous law revitalization, trauma-informed legal practice

Beneficial:

• Experience with environmental or social justice campaigns, community organizing, government relations, law reform and/or policy analysis
• Experience with facilitation and community processes, particularly within Indigenous communities
• Coursework and/or experience related to environmental governance, Indigenous rights, natural resources and/or environmental law
• Training and experience with the Indigenous Law Research Unit methodology for researching Indigenous law through story and/or in the candidate’s own Indigenous legal tradition

*Start date is flexible in 2026, but candidates must be qualified to apply to the Law Society Admissions Program at least 30 days prior.

Remuneration

Articles: Salary of $63,240 /annum (includes salary during Professional Legal Training Course), Law Society Admission Program fees, competitive benefits package.

First year call: Salary of $79,560 /annum, Law Society and insurance fees, competitive benefits package including RRSP contribution.

Contract duration: 24 months, with the possibility of renewal or extension. Hire-back after articles is conditional on successful completion of the Law Society Admissions Program and a successful performance evaluation.

Other important dates: See https://vancouverbar.ca/programs/#student-recruitment

TO APPLY

Please complete the online application form to submit your CV and cover letter by 11:59pm PT on June 30, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are committed to accessible employment practices. Applicants with a disability or any access 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 [e-mail].