Legal Counsel

Yukon Human Rights Commission; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An impactful organization in Yukon is seeking a Legal Counsel to uphold human rights and eliminate discrimination. This role involves providing legal advice, drafting essential documents, and representing the Commission in various legal settings. The successful candidate will collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure thorough investigations of complaints while modeling a trauma-informed approach. If you are passionate about promoting equality and have a strong legal background, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in human rights or administrative law.
• Ability to apply a trauma-informed approach when serving the public.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and draft memos and decision letters.
• Represent the Commission in court proceedings and settlement negotiations.

Skills

Human Rights Law

Administrative Law

Mediation

Trauma-Informed Approach

Education

License to Practice Law in Canada

Eligibility for Law Society of Yukon

Professional Certifications (Mediation)

Job description

The Yukon Human Rights Commission is looking for our next Legal Counsel. This is a management position that has a critical role in upholding theYukonHuman Rights Act(theAct) and advancing the mandate to eliminate discrimination in Yukon. https://careers.risepeople.com/yukon-human-rights-commission/en/12535_legal-counsel

Reporting to the Director and occasionally the five appointed Commission Members, the Legal Counsel carries out a broad range of legal, policy, and advisory responsibilities. These include providing legal advice, drafting memos and decision letters, and representing the Commission before the Board of Adjudication and in court proceedings including appeals and judicial reviews.

The Legal Counsel also facilitates settlement negotiations, develops policies and procedures, contributes to research and public education projects, supervises staff and external legal counsel, and collaborates with the Senior Investigator and team to ensure unresolved complaints are thoroughly investigated - all while modeling a trauma-informed approach.

The Commission is a small and impactful organization that was created in 1987 to promote equality and diversity through research, education, and enforcement of theAct. The Commission is independent from all levels of government. Its process is governed by theActand theYukonHuman Rights Regulations(the Regulations). Please visit our website: https://yukonhumanrights.ca/careers/ for more information.

Essential Experience:

• License to practice law in Canada, with eligibility to practice in Yukon is required.
• 1-3 years of experience with human rights, administrative law or a closely related field.
• Ability to apply a trauma-informed approach when serving the public.

Education:

• Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Canada and be eligible for membership with the Law Society of Yukon.
• Other professional certifications, particularly mediation, are an asset.

Desired Start Date:July 2025

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit their application via the online portal: https://careers.risepeople.com/yukon-human-rights-commission/en/12535_legal-counsel.Please include a resume that confirms your experience, knowledge, and skills, as well as eligibility. In addition to a cover letter, you will be asked to answer screening questions about your eligibility, interest, and knowledge.

The Yukon Human Rights Commission welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. If you require an accommodation of any kind or would like additional information, such as the complete job description, please send an email to:[e-mail].

Please note that applicants must have the legal right to work in Canada at the time of application. The Commission is not able to sponsor or support immigration or work permit processes.

Application Deadline:

Please submit your application no later than May 19, 2025.