Senior Governance Lawyer

Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A law firm specializing in Indigenous rights is seeking a senior lawyer for its Yellowknife office. The successful candidate will work on governance matters, particularly focusing on traditional territory stewardship and manage negotiations between Nation clients and industry. The role demands a strong commitment to Indigenous rights advocacy and creativity in using Canadian law. This position offers competitive salary and benefits along with a supportive and inclusive work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Extended health benefits

General spending account

Annual northern allowance

Structured mentorship program

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of demonstrated governance law experience.
• Strong interest in Indigenous people's self-determination.
• Proven commitment to working with Indigenous governments.

Responsibilities

• Advise Nations in the north on governance matters.
• Support negotiations and agreement implementations.
• Provide hands-on negotiation support.

Skills

Governance law experience

Indigenous rights advocacy

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Job description

FIRM DESCRIPTION

At Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP (OKT), our core purpose is advocating for Indigenous rights, interests, and self-determination. We are driven by a simple priority: helping our clients achieve their own goals and get the most out of the Canadian legal system.

We understand the practical challenges that Indigenous governments, organizations, and peoples face when engaging with Canadian law - whether in the courts, in the boardroom, or at the negotiating table. If there is a way the legal system can be used to benefit Indigenous communities, chances are we provide that kind of service.

THE ROLE

We are looking to add a senior lawyer to our Yellowknife office. This opportunity offers a casual northern, smaller-community experience, while working on high quality, dynamic work for our Nation clients.

In this role, the successful candidate will advise Nations in the north with a focus on general governance matters and with a specific focus on traditional territory governance and stewardship; supporting negotiations (and agreement implementation/disputes) between Nation clients and industry, including both drafting and hands‑on negotiation support.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated governance law experience;
• Strong interest in Indigenous people’s self-determination and Indigenous rights advocacy;
• Proven experience and commitment to working with Indigenous governments to support self-governance and Indigenous legal orders;
• Creativity and innovation in the use of Canadian law and precedent to solve problems and support our clients;
• Exceptional analytical, research and negotiation skills;
• Desire to work out of OKT’s Yellowknife office, with the flexibility to travel to our clients’ communities across Canada;

Strong Assets

• Experience in litigation or corporate law;
• Experience negotiating at senior levels with Crown governments and industry.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND A STRONG FIRM CULTURE

OKT is committed to excellence in the quality of our advocacy, in our relationships with clients, and in the way we work together. Our success is built on the strength of our client partnerships, the exceptional talent within our team, and an unwavering dedication to our clients’ success.

We strive to foster a collegial, supportive, and inclusive work environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute, grow, and thrive. We offer a competitive salary, extended health benefits, a general spending account and an annual northern allowance for team members who work out of our Yellowknife office. For associates, we also provide a structured mentorship program to help you develop your skills, build confidence, and thrive in your legal career.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

OKT has implemented proactive recruitment strategies aimed at mitigating direct and systemic discrimination. We remain committed to an equitable hiring process that reaches and supports a diverse pool of candidates.

We are committed to open, honest, and inclusive recruitment practices and provide equitable opportunities to all applicants. OKT also supports applicants with disabilities by offering accommodations throughout the recruitment process that take individual accessibility needs into account.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process or need assistance to submit your application, please contact us at 416-981-9330 and ask to be transferred to the VP, of People & Marketing to submit your accommodation request.