Police Accountability Lawyer

BC First Nations Justice Council; British Columbia; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization dedicated to serving Indigenous communities in British Columbia is seeking a Police Accountability Lawyer. This role focuses on advocating for Indigenous clients affected by police actions, providing essential legal support, and engaging in systemic reforms. Candidates should have a strong commitment to social justice, experience in civil litigation, and the ability to navigate complex legal systems while fostering a culturally safe environment.

Benefits

Extended health benefits

Dental coverage

Personal days

Paid vacation

RRSP/TFSA savings plans

Qualifications

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
• 1-3 years call to the Bar in British Columbia or similar experience.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed legal services.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with police complaints and legal processes.
• Advocate for clients in court and tribunals.
• Maintain client files per legal standards.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Oral advocacy

Written advocacy

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Culturally safe environment

Creativity in problem-solving

File management

Education

Law degree

Tools

New technologies

Job description

Policing, Oversight and Accountability Full Time British Columbia Hybrid $90,000 - $115,000 CAD per year

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations Métis and Inuit people in the criminal justice system and the child protection system, and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is growing rapidly. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. To this end, we are seeking team members who share our vision, understand the gravity of the work, are excited by the opportunity and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Position Summary:

Police Accountability Lawyers are members of BCFNJC’s Police Accountability Unit (PAU) and report to the Director of Policing, Oversight & Accountability. The PAU represents Indigenous clients who have been harmed by police. You will assist clients to advance complaints through the Office of Police Complaint Commissioner, the Independent Investigations Office, and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission. You will also advocate for clients at the provincial and federal human rights tribunals and Provincial and BC Supreme Court.

The successful candidate will be supported by a legal assistant, office resources and management. As a Junior Police Accountability Lawyer, you will be provided with mentorship and support to develop your client relations, advocacy and litigation skills.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meet with clients and assess matters, providing reliable and accurate legal advice.
• Assist clients to make police complaints or seek review of decisions under the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner and Civilian Review and Complaints Commissioner processes.
• Advocate for clients at all levels of court, including administrative tribunals.
• Provide advocacy and legal services in a manner that recognizes the systemic challenges Indigenous people face when interacting with all levels of the judicial system.
• Work collaboratively with the PAU team, including senior lawyer(s) and legal assistant(s) and the Director of Policing, Oversight and Accountability.
• Maintain documentation and comprehensive and up to date client files, in accordance with BCFNJC’s policies and the Rules of the Law Society of British Columbia.
• Work with the Outreach and Communications teams to raise awareness of the PAU, and travel to Indigenous Justice Centres offering Police Accountability clinics.
• Contribute to the development and review of PAU policies, procedures and services standards, and data collection and evaluation frameworks.
• Support BCFNJC’s law reform efforts through collaboration with the Policy and Senior Leadership teams.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Work Experience:

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
• 1-3 years call to the Bar in British Columbia or equivalent experience in another Canadian jurisdiction.
• Experience in advocacy and/or civil litigation
• Ability to synthesize complex legal problems and propose creative solutions.
• Ability to provide a culturally safe and trauma-informed environment for clients.
• A familiarity with Indigenous community groups and agencies and current issues affecting Indigenous people in BC.
• Demonstrated written and oral advocacy skills.
• Solid computer skills coupled with a good understanding of the use of new technologies.
• Strong organizational skills and file management.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous people.
• Commitment to a collaborative team environment
• Willingness to take initiative and be flexible given the newness of the role and the PAU.
• Valid Driver’s License, the use of a vehicle and ability to travel.

Job Title: Police Accountability Lawyer

Reporting: Reports to the Director of Policing, Oversight and Accountability

Location: Option to work a 75% in-office hybrid model - Hybrid BCFNJC Location (outside lower mainland preferred)

Pay Range: $90,000 - $115,000 annually

Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes extended health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans

Hours: Full-time (35hours / week); Mondays to Fridays