Articling Student

Government of British Columbia; Williams Lake; On-site; CAD 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government in British Columbia is hiring articled students for the Ministry of Attorney General. Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience in criminal law with the BC Prosecution Service. Candidates should have completed or be enrolling in a Canadian evidence and criminal law course. Applications must be submitted by March 13, 2026. The position is primarily on site in British Columbia, with multiple positions available for Indigenous and bilingual law students.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional growth

Supportive work environment

Diverse workplace initiatives

Qualifications

• Completion of Canadian evidence course is required.
• Completion of Canadian criminal law course is required.
• Experience in Canadian common law is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work on criminal law cases with the BC Prosecution Service.
• Assist legal counsel and mentors in a collaborative environment.
• Prepare for and participate in interviews and assessments.

Skills

Understanding of Canadian criminal law

Familiarity with Canadian evidence

Ability to handle sensitive information

Education

LL.B. or J.D. degree

Completed or enrolled in Civil Procedure course

Job description

Overview

Job Summary

The Ministry of Attorney General hires articled students every year, one year ahead of the start date of their articles. Students work with the Legal Services Branch or the BC Prosecution Service and can also work with other branches during articles.

The Team

The Legal Services Branch (LSB) is a collaborative and close-knit team supporting the Attorney General as the legal advisor to the government of British Columbia. As an established team, LSB ensures public affairs are administered in accordance with the law and provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on legal experience. Team members work with a variety of roles, including legal counsel, mentors, junior lawyers, and Legal Office Managers. With a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, LSB prioritizes professional growth, providing education on legal drafting, advocacy, mental health, and practice management to develop well-rounded lawyers.

The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) promotes public safety, justice and respect for the rule of law by making principled charge assessment decisions and conducting fair and effective prosecutions and appeals. Crown Counsel conduct prosecutions and appeals in every level of court in communities across the province.

The Role

BC Prosecution Service - This is an articled student experience primarily devoted to the practice of criminal law. Offers to successful applicants, including choice of available office, will be made in the order the applicants have ranked on the oral interview. Students should be prepared to live in or near the community where they have accepted an articling position for the articling term. The application materials must clearly indicate that the applicant has successfully completed, or will enroll in, a Canadian evidence course and a Canadian criminal law course or has related experience in Canadian criminal law. NCA accreditation for these specific requirements will not suffice.

Legal Services Branch - This is an articling student experience primarily devoted to the practice of common law in BC. Successful applicants will be offered a choice between being located in Victoria (primary location) or Vancouver. A preference may be applied for students who have successfully completed, or who will enroll in, a Civil Procedure course or have experience in Canadian common law.

Application and Eligibility

Application Deadline
11:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Friday, March 13, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Who Can Apply
Anyone who is entitled to work in Canada as of May 1, 2027 and is eligible and required by the Law Society of British Columbia to complete articles in order to practice law in BC.

How to Apply
Applications made online through this website will NOT be accepted. You must visit the Applying for Articles website and see attachments for information on how to apply for these positions.

Your application package must include all of the following documents:

• Completed application form;
• Cover letter (not to exceed two pages);
• Resume (not to exceed three pages);
• Transcript of law school grades (LL.B./J.D.)
• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable with application; shortlisted applicants may be required to have their university send an official transcript directly to us.
• If you completed law school outside of Canada, you must provide documentation showing that you are pursuing a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation or have been granted the certificate. You will need to have been granted that certificate by May 1, 2027.
• For BCPS applicants, application materials must clearly indicate the applicant (a) has successfully completed, or will enroll in and complete prior to May 1, 2027, a Canadian Evidence course and a Canadian Criminal Law course or has related experience in Canadian criminal law. If you completed law school outside of Canada, NCA accreditation for these specific requirements will not suffice, or
• b) has related experience in Canadian criminal law.

Note: If you are applying for both LSB and BCPS, please submit separate applications and clearly indicate which package is for the Legal Services Branch and which is for BC Prosecution Service.

For your application to be considered, the following requirements must be met:

• The application package must be completed in accordance with the requirements (see page 2).
• The application package must be received no later than 11:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Friday, March 13, 2026. Applications and any related materials received after that time will not be considered.

The application form and information on applying are available between February 3, 2026 and March 13, 2026.

Send your completed application materials to the attention of Sheri Li by one of the following methods:

Email (preferred): [e-mail]

Regular mail: Legal Services Branch
Ministry of Attorney General
1301-865 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2G3

Courier: 1301-865 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2G3

Preliminary shortlisting may be done based on law school transcripts and the clarity, accuracy, and completeness of application materials. Applicants selected for an interview may be asked to provide further documentation at that time, including confirmation of law school grades and references. All applicants will be contacted by mail or email. Successful applicants will be required to undergo criminal record checks.

We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise [e-mail] of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Questions should be directed to:

Sheri Li
Legal Assistant, Articling and Professional Development Programs (LSB)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Sandra Scherly
Director, Business Operations (BCPS)
[phone]
[e-mail]

Estimated Schedule:
Applications Open February 3, 2026
Applications Close March 13, 2026 at 11 pm. PST
Written Assessments April 6 to 10, 2026
Oral Interviews (LSB and BCPS) April 27 - May 15, 2026

Please note that these timelines are estimates to help you schedule in advance; however, they are subject to change.

About this Position:
There are 3 LSB positions available: 1 is dedicated for Indigenous law students.
There are 12 BCPS positions available: 2 positions are dedicated for Indigenous law students and 1 reserved for a bilingual (French and English) law students.

LSB locations are in Victoria and Vancouver.
BCPS locations listed above are to assist applicants in searching for this opportunity and may not be a complete list of locations.
Flexible work options are available for positions with LSB; those positions may be able to work up to a few days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future vacancies.
Criminal Record Check is required. For BCPS applicants, Enhanced Security Screening is required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working Conditions:
Articling students with the BCPS must be ready, willing, and able to routinely:

• deal with disturbing cases, including images of child sexual assault and child sexual abuse;
• deal with victims and witnesses who have been subjected to or witnessed traumatic events, including sexual abuse, catastrophic injuries, and death, or have suffered other forms of extreme personal loss;
• deal with traumatic violence or death scenes including images of and evidence about deceased persons with catastrophic injuries;
• manage sensitive, graphic, and highly confidential information; and,
• handle negative public or media comment or criticism with limited ability to respond.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.