Senior Litigation Associate

Ontario Bar Association; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

JFK Law LLP seeks an Associate specializing in Aboriginal law with a focus on Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, consultation and accommodation, and Indigenous self-determination. The role involves regulatory proceedings and public law litigation, including constitutional, administrative, and municipal matters.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of litigation experience, strong advocacy, and the ability to work independently while building relationships with Indigenous communities and government

Qualifications

• 8+ years of litigation experience.
• Experience attending in various levels of court.
• Strong advocacy and oral/written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, interpretive, research and drafting abilities.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with civil procedures.
• Ability to build relationships and work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute litigation strategies across Aboriginal and public-law matters.
• Conduct research and draft affidavits, pleadings, and applications.
• Prepare for trials and represent clients in court at all levels.
• Engage in negotiations, including self-government and jurisdictional discussions.
• Manage files and coordinate with Indigenous communities, governments, and clients.

Skills

Advocacy

Oral and written communication

Negotiation

Independent work

Relationship building

Teamwork

Civil procedures

Analytical thinking

Education

Called to the Ontario Bar

Job description

About us

JFK Law LLP is a mid-sized, national law firm focused on delivering high-quality legal services to Indigenous people, communities, and organizations. We are a national leader in Aboriginal law with offices in Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, Kahnawake, and Montreal. We foster an environment of excellence in serving our clients, continuous learning, cultural competency, and mutual respect.

JFK Law is committed to advancing justice and self-determination for Indigenous people. Trusted by Indigenous individuals and communities for our results, determination, and experience, we foster an inclusive workplace where collaboration drives meaningful outcomes.

We bring dedication, care, and rigor to everything we do, and we hold ourselves to high standards of excellence and accountability. Guided by a deep respect for Indigenous voices, we are bold, creative, and strategic in our approach. We challenge norms, embrace innovation, and cultivate a modern, inclusive environment where all team members can thrive. We are accountable to our clients and our colleagues as we work to create lasting, meaningful change.

As a firm dedicated to serving Indigenous people, we strongly encourage Indigenous applicants to apply. We are deeply committed to building and sustaining a workplace that supports our Indigenous team members in their professional growth and honours their personal and cultural identities.

Role Overview

The primary focus of the Associate is expected to be related to Aboriginal law, including Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, consultation and accommodation, and issues related to reserve and Aboriginal title lands, and Indigenous self-determination and jurisdiction. The Associate may also be involved in regulatory proceedings and other public law litigation, including constitutional, administrative, and municipal law matters.

Key Responsibilities

The associate will assist in conducting major litigation files and assume carriage of small to mid-size litigation and negotiation files. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute legal and litigation strategies
• Conduct research
• Draft correspondence, affidavits, pleadings and applications
• Draft legislation for Indigenous governments and implement or coordinate agreements with governments
• Interview witnesses and prepare evidence, and prepare for discovery
• Appear before courts and tribunals, including arguing applications and portions of oral submissions
• Facilitate community sessions on law-making and Elders' and knowledge keeper deliberations about the substance of Indigenous teachings and knowledge systems for law-making
• Prepare for trials, including developing questions and statements and appearing at all levels of court
• Support negotiations, including self-government, jurisdictional, and exploratory discussions leading to clients’ exercise of jurisdiction and self-determination
• Manage files on behalf of our clients
• Appear before all levels of court

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Have over 8+ years of litigation experience
• Have experience attending in various levels of court;
• Have strong skills in advocacy and oral and written communication
• Have excellent analytical, interpretive, research and drafting skills
• Have proven negotiation skills
• Have the ability to work independently
• Be familiar with civil procedures
• Be proficient at building relationships and working well in a team environment

• Be eligible to practice law in Ontario as a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario

Any of the following would be assets:

• Experience working for Indigenous communities or individuals
• Experience with Aboriginal and Constitutional Law

• Experience and knowledge of the regulatory hearing processes;
• Be familiar with negotiation and consultation processes involving Indigenous Nations, government and industry.