CR CNSL 1/2 - Crown Counsel

Government of British Columbia; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial public service is seeking a BCPS Crown Counsel in Port Alberni to approve charges and prosecute offenses at all levels of court. Candidates must be lawyers with significant experience in criminal law and courtroom responsibilities. The role offers flexible work options and is integral to the administration of justice in British Columbia. The position requires travel and adherence to BCPS policies for managing cases and interacting with victims and families.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Diverse workplace commitment

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months recent experience as a practicing lawyer in Canada.
• Up to 5 years of call required for Crown Counsel Level 1.
• 6 to 11 years of call required for Crown Counsel Level 2.

Responsibilities

• Approve charges and prosecute offenses under the Criminal Code.
• Decide whether to lay charges and which charges to lay.
• Conduct cases in court according to BCPS policies.

Skills

Criminal law expertise

Courtroom experience

Strong communication skills

Education

Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia

Immediate eligibility for call to the British Columbia Bar

Job description

The Team

The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) contributes to the protection of society by conducting independent, effective and fair prosecutions and appeals at all levels of court and by striving to develop the most effective methods to administer criminal justice in the province. With approximately 550 Crown Counsel located across British Columbia, the BCPS is divided into five regions – North, Interior, Fraser, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island-Powell River. Criminal Appeals and Special Prosecutions (CASP) and BCPS Headquarters (HQ) are primarily located in Vancouver and Victoria. The Port Alberni Crown Office is a busy office with four Crown prosecutors and four support staff that serves Port Alberni, Ucluelet, Tofino and Ahousaht area.

The Role

BCPS Crown Counsel approve charges and prosecute offences under the Criminal Code, provincial statutes and regulations, and federal statutes. Crown Counsel in BC are responsible for deciding whether to lay charges and which charges to lay. They conduct cases in court through to their conclusion in accordance with BCPS policies and the Crown Counsel Act. Crown Counsel are also responsible for ensuring that witnesses, victims, and families are dealt with in a considerate and courteous manner and that victims and their families are adequately prepared for court proceedings.

Qualifications

• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia, or immediate eligibility for call to the British Columbia Bar.
• Crown Counsel Level 1: Counsel up to 5th year of call, with a minimum of 6 months of recent experience as a practicing lawyer in Canada, including in the area of criminal law.
• Crown Counsel Level 2: Counsel in their 6th to 11th year of call, with a minimum of 2 years of recent experience as a practicing lawyer in Canada, including in the area of criminal law.

Preference Statements

• Preference may be given to applicants currently employed as Crown Counsel by the BC Prosecution Service.
• Preference may be given to applicants currently employed as Crown Counsel by the BC Prosecution Service, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada or another provincial prosecution service.
• Preference may be given to applicants currently employed as Crown Counsel by the BC Prosecution Service with two (2) or more years’ experience employed as Crown Counsel by the BC Prosecution Service.
• Preference may be given to applicants with two (2) or more years’ experience employed as Crown Counsel by the BC Prosecution Service, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada or another provincial prosecution service.

Provisos / Willingness Statement

• Travel is a requirement of this position.

IMPORTANT

Where there is a difference between the qualifications reflected in the posting and the Job Profile, those stated on the job posting will be used for screening purposes.

Interview Dates

Please note that interviews for candidates who screen in will be scheduled January 12 – 15, 2026. For questions regarding this position, please contact [e-mail].

About this Position

• Currently there is one (1) permanent opportunity available in Port Alberni.
• Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 2 days at home per week as per the Telework Agreement.
• An eligibility list may be established to fill both current and/or future permanent vacancies.

Located on Vancouver Island, Port Alberni and its encompassing valley are surrounded by forests, mountains, ocean inlets, and freshwater lakes and streams. This area of Vancouver Island is popular for its sport fishing and other outdoor activities available in every season including scuba diving, kayaking, kiteboarding, windsurfing, hiking, cycling, golfing, skiing, snowmobiling and wildlife viewing. A long history of support for organized sports, arts and culture, festivals and other entertainment interests are available in the valley and surrounding areas. A system of local parks and a full complement of specific or multiple use facilities are maintained for the public to enjoy.

A Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) and Enhanced Security Screening will be required. Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

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.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

How to Apply

Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation.

Application Requirements

Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES – Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES – You will need to complete a standard questionnaire (current employment status, eligibility to apply, etc.).

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. 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 Technical Assistance page of MyHR.