Purpose Driven Aboriginal Law Lawyer (5–7 years)

Macushla Law Corporation; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 143,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Hybrid work options

Origination bonus

Performance bonus

Professional development

Job summary

Macushla Law Corporation in Vancouver seeks an experienced Aboriginal Law Lawyer (5–7 years call) to lead files and support purpose‑driven clients in duties to consult, treaty rights, Aboriginal title, Indigenous governance, and related advisory work. Experience across corporate, real estate, and non-profit matters is welcome but not required.

The successful candidate will mentor junior lawyers, manage client relationships, and contribute to growth of a community-focused practice, with hybrid

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in BC and in good standing.
• 5–7 years of Aboriginal law experience with demonstrated leadership of files.
• Strong client management and communication skills.
• Interest in leveraging technology and AI tools in legal practice.
• Exceptional oral and written communication abilities.
• Highly independent, accountable, and self-directed.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead and manage Aboriginal and Indigenous law matters, including duty to consult, treaty rights, Indigenous governance, and advisory or litigation-support work.
• Provide strategic legal advice to Indigenous governments and purpose-driven clients on governance and regulatory engagement.
• Advise on intersections of Aboriginal law with corporate, real estate, and employment matters as applicable.
• Draft, review, and negotiate indigenous law-related agreements and governance documents.
• Mentor junior lawyers and staff; contribute to knowledge-sharing and professional development.
• Collaborate with operations to ensure efficient file management and contribute to business development.

Skills

Oral & written communication

Client management

Independent leadership

Technology literacy

Tools

Legal tech tools

Job description

About macushlaw

macushlaw is a high-performance purpose driven boutique B Corp law firm. We provide high quality, strategic, proportionate, timely and ethical advice to purpose-driven organizations.. Our client base consists of impact enterprises, housing providers, non-profits, charities, First Nations, small business, philanthropists and vulnerable people seeking justice. We primarily operate in the real estate, housing, sustainability, First Nations economic development, and community services sectors. macushlaw is a legal industry leader in impact performance, providing reduced rates to purpose driven organizations, promoting volunteerism and philanthropy, leveraging existing and custom developed technology to streamline operations and client service, and prioritizing environmentally sustainable operations. macushlaw is proudly B Corp, BC Green Business and BC Living Wage certified.

Whom Should Apply

Our work environment is ideal for candidates seeking:

• a fast paced, non-traditional, informal, values-driven, and tech forward practice environment;
• an opportunity to do high quality work for clients making the world a better place;
• to take on increased responsibility in their practice including direct client contact and file leadership;
• to find more purpose and meaning in their professional lives;
• learn how to build their own practice; and
• retain competitive compensation while maintaining more sustainable working hours.

macushlaw is a good fit for lawyers that are values-driven, hard working, self-directed, independent, accountable, ethical, and entrepreneurial.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Aboriginal Law Lawyer (5-7 years call) to lead files and support our purpose-driven clients in matters involving duty to consult, treaty rights, Aboriginal title, indigenous governance and related advisory. Experience or interest in corporate and commercial law, non‑profit and charity law, governance and compliance, real estate and housing, leasing and conveyancing, mergers and acquisitions, employment, wills and estates, and Indigenous and First Nations–related matters is preferred but not required to apply.

This role is well‑suited to an experienced lawyer who brings sound judgement, strong client management skills, and the ability to independently lead matters while contributing meaningfully to mentorship, file strategy, and the continued growth of a community-focused practice.

The successful candidate will:

• Independently lead and manage Aboriginal and Indigenous law matters, including files involving duty to consult and accommodation, treaty rights, Aboriginal title, Indigenous governance, and related advisory or litigation-support work.
• Provide strategic legal advice to Indigenous governments, organizations, and purpose-driven clients on governance, regulatory engagement, and rights-based issues.
• Advise clients on the intersection of Aboriginal law with corporate, commercial, non-profit, charity, real estate, and employment matters, as applicable.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements relevant to Indigenous and Aboriginal law mandates, including governance documents, funding agreements, impact benefit agreements, consultation frameworks, and related transactional documents.
• Support policy development and governance documentation for Indigenous organizations and other impact-oriented entities.
• Exercise sound professional judgement with respect to risk assessment, scope, timelines, and client communications, managing files with a high degree of independence.
• Mentor junior lawyers and staff, contributing to knowledge-sharing and a strong culture of learning and professional excellence.
• Collaborate closely with the administrative and operations team to ensure effective, efficient, and well-managed files.
• Participate in business development, relationship-building, and the growth of the firm's Aboriginal and Indigenous law practice.

Requirements

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
• 5-7 years of experience with demonstrated experience practicing Aboriginal law
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead files, exercise sound judgement, and manage client relationships
• Strong technological skills and a demonstrated interest in leveraging legal technology and artificial intelligence tools
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational, time management, and file management skills
• Exceptional client management skills
• Highly independent, accountable, and self-directed
• Professional, responsive, and client‑focused approach
• Demonstrated commitment to community service, ethics, and professional excellence
• Open to being called in the Yukon

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $142,824-$166,628+
• 3 weeks vacation, plus bonus vacation entitlement
• Origination bonus (10% of originated collections, paid quarterly)
• Firm Performance Bonus
• Health and dental benefits plus health care spending account
• In office during probation, hybrid options available provided performance targets met
• Regular office hours: 8:30am – 5pm, flexible hours available provided performance targets met
• Working travel policy
• Voluntourism policy
• $5,000 business development expense account
• Career and practice development training and support (e.g. education expenses covered by the firm, business development training, and informal mentorship)

Target & Performance Expectations

• 1300 billable hours, and corollary realization and collections targets
• 50+ community contribution hours per year
• Originated collections target ($100,000- $175,000)
• Participation in firm-led business development and operational projects
• Individual business development plan

Application Materials

• Up to date resume, including:
  • Recent work experience
  • Volunteer experience
  • Conference and CPD presentations (if applicable)
  • Technological competencies (e.g. programs the candidate is familiar with)
  • Estimated size of existing book of business (if applicable)
  • LinkedIn Profile
• Writing samples:
  • Legal blog
  • LinkedIn post
  • Contract
• Transcripts
• 2 character references
• 2 recent legal industry workplace references

Start Date

The anticipated start date for this position is April 15, 2026.