Legal Counsel

Yukon Human Rights Commission; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Yukon Human Rights Commission (YHRC) promotes equality and diversity through research, education, and enforcement of the Yukon Human Rights Act. The Commission works to protect human rights and address discrimination across the territory.

This full-time, term Legal Counsel role is based in Whitehorse, YT. The Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice on matters related to the Yukon Human Rights Act, including complaint handling, investigations, and resolution processes.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Law and human rights legislation, with experience applying legal frameworks to complex factual situations.
• Experience reviewing, drafting, and advising on contracts with partners and service providers.
• Proficiency in drafting complaints analyses, submissions, policies, and legal opinions.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on matters related to the Yukon Human Rights Act, including complaint handling, investigations, and resolution processes.
• Identify and assess legal issues and risks affecting enforcement and organizational operations.
• Support commissioners, staff, and community stakeholders with clear, practical legal guidance.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Contract negotiation

Legal document drafting

Legal risk assessment

Clear legal advice

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Deadline management

Indigenous/community experience

Education

JD or LLB

Job description

The Yukon Human Rights Commission (YHRC) promotes equality and diversity through research, education, and enforcement of the Yukon Human Rights Act. The Commission works to protect human rights and address discrimination across the territory.

This full-time, term Legal Counsel role is based in Whitehorse, YT. The Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice on matters related to the Yukon Human Rights Act, including complaint handling, investigations, and resolution processes.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Law and human rights legislation, with experience analyzing and applying legal frameworks to complex factual situations.
• Demonstrated skills in Contract Negotiation, including reviewing, drafting, and advising on agreements with partners and service providers.
• Proficiency in Legal Document Preparation, such as drafting complaints analyses, submissions, policies, and legal opinions.
• Ability to identify, assess, and manage Legal Issues and risks related to human rights enforcement and organizational operations.
• Experience providing clear, practical Legal Advice to diverse audiences, including commissioners, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Law degree (JD or LLB) and eligibility for membership in a Canadian law society; experience in administrative, human rights, or public law is an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal concepts into accessible language.
• Strong analytical, judgment, and problem-solving abilities, with a commitment to fairness, equity, and impartial decision-making.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team, manage multiple files, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, marginalized groups, or in a northern context is considered an asset.