CR CNSL 1 - Crown Counsel

Government of British Columbia; Richmond; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government agency in Richmond, BC is seeking BCPS Crown Counsel to manage the prosecution of criminal charges. The role requires strong interpersonal skills and experience in criminal law, with flexible work options available. Candidates must be eligible to practice law in British Columbia and possess a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws degree. This position involves significant legal responsibilities and offers a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Extensive training and support

Qualifications

• Membership or eligibility for call to the Bar in BC.
• Recent experience in criminal law.
• No more than 5 years of call to the bar for Crown Counsel Level 1.

Responsibilities

• Approve charges and prosecute offences under various laws.
• Conduct cases in court according to BCPS policies.
• Ensure considerate treatment of witnesses and victims.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Practical life experience

Resilience

Good common sense

Education

Jurisdiction in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia

Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws Degree

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 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.

BCPS Crown Counsel litigate some of the most interesting, challenging, and important cases in BC. The BCPS is looking to hire hard-working, resilient, and fair-minded courtroom lawyers, with good common sense. Successful candidates will have solid experience as barristers, strong interpersonal skills, and practical life experience working and dealing with people from diverse groups, backgrounds, and circumstances. Surrounded by excellent peers and mentors, with a full network of professional staff to rely upon, the BCPS also offers extensive training and support.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia or from another Canadian Law Society with the ability to transfer or qualify in British Columbia OR immediately eligible for call to the Bar.
• Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws Degree from an accredited common law school
• Crown Counsel Level 1: Counsel up to 5th year of call, with recent experience as a practicing lawyer in Canada in thearea of criminal law or reasonably comparable quasi-criminal law. (Note: Lawyers with an excess of five (5) years of call to the bar will not be considered).
• Recent experience as a practicing lawyer in Canada in criminal law or reasonably comparable quasi-criminal law.

Preference may be given to the following:

• Applicants working as Crown Counsel with the BC Prosecution Service
• Applicants that have proficient knowledge using the JUSTIN database system
• Applicants with recent (within the last 3 years)criminal trial experience.
• Applicants with criminal prosecution experience.
• Applicants who speak, and are competent to conduct trials in, French.

Provisos /Willingness statement(s)

• Travel is a requirement of this position.
• Crown Counsel 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,
  • be the object of negative public or media comment or criticism with limited ability to respond.

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.

For questions regarding this position, please [e-mail].

About this Position:
There are two (2) permanent full-time positions available.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 3 days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and/or permanent vacancies.
This position is included in the Crown Counsel Association. Under thePublic Service Labour Relations Act,this position is excluded from union membership. The terms and conditions of employment for union excluded positions are outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Excluded Employees available through the following website:Terms & Conditions of Employment for Excluded Employees / Appointees.
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 adiverse workplaceto 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.

TheIndigenous Applicant Advisory Serviceis 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.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. 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.

Cover Letter: YES- A cover letter is required as part of your application. The cover letter will be evaluated as part of the assessment process. Please ensure that the letter clearly demonstrates how you meet the requirements and your suitability for the position. Please indicate the year you were called to the BC Bar, or expected to be called to the Bar, in your cover letter.

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.).

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit theYour Job Applicationpage of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining aCareer 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 theTechnical Assistancepage of MyHR.