General Legal Counsel

Westbank First Nation; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 142,000; Full time

Job summary

A self-governing First Nation is seeking a General Legal Counsel to lead its Legal Department. The role involves advising on legal risks, ensuring compliance with laws, and supporting governance through legal guidance. Ideal candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of legal experience, strong knowledge of Indigenous law, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. This position offers a median salary of $141,772 with preference for qualified Indigenous applicants. Apply via the Employment Opportunities page.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a legal, local government, or corporate setting.
• Strong working knowledge of local government and Indigenous law.
• Demonstrated capacity in legislative and legal drafting.

Responsibilities

• Act as the principal lawyer and head of WFN’s Legal Department.
• Provide legal advice to Chief Administrative Officer and Council Secretariat.
• Draft and review contracts and contractor agreements.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and community

Ability to work constructively and respectfully with departmental staff

Understanding of First Nation self-government

Education

Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia

Indigenous Intercultural Competency Training

Trauma-Informed Lawyering Training

Job description

General Legal Counsel

Located within the traditional unceded territory of the syilx people, Westbank First Nation is a progressive and prosperous self-governing First Nation. The Okanagan Valley truly has it all, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

Westbank First Nation values diversity and we are committed to creating a healthy, strong and vibrant community through programs and services that promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and healing. Come join our team and become part of an innovative and rewarding place to work.

Position Summary

The General Counsel is the head of Westbank First Nation (WFN)’s Legal Department and is responsible for identifying, analyzing, prioritizing, treating, and monitoring legal risks and other risks with legal components across the WFN Government. This includes, but is not limited to, Government departments, boards, societies, the elected Chief and Council, and other persons and entities essential to the governance of the Nation.

The General Counsel primarily reports to the Chief Administrative Officer, with a secondary reporting relationship to Chief and Council. The position is a critical member of the WFN senior management team and works in collaboration with all Department Heads (Directors) to identify and more effectively manage overlaps and gaps between WFN’s operations and its legal obligations.

The General Counsel is responsible for providing timely information, advice, and recommendations to the WFN Executive Leadership Team, Chief and Council, and other WFN entities to ensure compliance with WFN’s Constitution, laws, and policies, as well as the laws of other jurisdictions, notably Canada and British Columbia.

The General Counsel is also responsible for identifying and addressing other risks faced by the WFN Government that have legal components, such as employee misconduct, fraud or financial crime, and legal risks arising from daily operations, including contractual, intellectual property, and real property matters.

Additional responsibilities include law and policy drafting; preparation, review, and vetting of contracts; assistance with procurement; risk and liability assessments; overseeing and/or working with external legal counsel; and providing sound legal research and advice in support of WFN’s government operations, initiatives, and opportunities.

Most importantly, the General Counsel must exercise absolute discretion and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.

Education / Experience

• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
• Indigenous Intercultural Competency Training
• Trauma-Informed Lawyering Training

Required Experience

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a legal, local government, or corporate setting
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Local government
  • Indigenous law and First Nation self-governance
  • Public administration structures
  • Indigenous, administrative, real estate, and corporate law
• Demonstrated capacity in legislative and legal drafting

Requirements

• Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to WFN
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and exercise discretion in all matters relating to the affairs of Westbank First Nation

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the principal lawyer and head of WFN’s Legal Department
• Work in tandem with Directors to monitor and ensure compliance by Chief and Council and Government departments with WFN’s Constitution, laws, and policies, as well as applicable federal and provincial laws
• Attend meetings related to legal matters as directed by the Council Secretariat
• Provide relevant, accurate, and timely legal advice and recommendations to the Chief Administrative Officer, Council Secretariat, Executive Leadership Team, Chief and Council, and, where appropriate, WFN Membership
• Establish WFN’s long-term legislative agenda and ensure its implementation
• Receive and address legal requests and matters with legal components from the Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Chief and Council, boards, societies, and, occasionally, WFN Membership; engage external legal counsel as required
• Oversee the work and performance of Legal Department employees and contracted external counsel
• Engage with legal practice groups and professional networks
• Draft and review contracts and contractor agreements
• Oversee the preparation and development of WFN laws as directed by the Council Secretariat
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to proposed laws and regulations developed by WFN or imposed by other jurisdictions, and provide legal opinions, options, and recommendations
• Manage insurance and litigation claims on behalf of WFN
• Negotiate with federal and provincial governments regarding self-government implementation initiatives
• Interpret and explain WFN laws, procedures, and policies to the Council Secretariat, WFN staff, Chief and Council, and WFN Membership as required
• Review draft policies prepared by WFN staff to ensure consistency with legislation, formatting standards, and legal authority and approval requirements
• Support the maintenance of WFN laws and the Registry of Laws, and ensure public legal documents are made available to Membership or others as required
• Review employment, contractor, and other agreements as directed by the Council Secretariat
• Act as a Commissioner for taking oaths and affidavits on behalf of the WFN Government
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the affairs of WFN
• Perform all duties in accordance with WFN policies, standards, and procedures, and as directed by the Council Secretariat
• Attend WFN Membership meetings as required to provide legal information and advice
• Supervise or support an Articled Student, as required
• Perform other related duties as necessary to fulfill the role

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work constructively and respectfully with departmental staff
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings
• Strong understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and community
• Understanding of First Nation self-government, WFN’s Constitution, and its laws
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with policy and administrative bodies

https://www.wfn.ca

All applications must be submitted through our Employment Opportunities page. Ensure you attach your cover letter and resume. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

The median salary range for this position is $141,772

This opportunity will close at midnight on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to qualified WFN Members & Indigenous applicants.