Overview

West Coast Environmental Law harnesses the power of law to solve complex environmental challenges. Our team works to transform environmental decision-making and strengthen legal protection for the environment through collaborative legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law.
West Coast is seeking lawyers who are passionate about using their legal skills to achieve environmental sustainability, social justice and Indigenous self-determination. We have openings for 2 contract legal positions with our RELAW (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air and Water) Program commencing in spring 2022.

Qualifications:

  • Training and experience with the Indigenous Law Research Unit methodology for researching Indigenous law through story and/or in the candidate’s own Indigenous legal tradition
  • Experience with facilitation and community outreach, particularly within Indigenous communities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong legal research and analysis skills
  • A commitment to Indigenous law revitalization and trauma-informed legal practice
  • A good understanding of Canadian and BC laws related to environmental decision-making, resource development and environmental protection
  • Experience with social justice or environmental campaigning, community organizing, government relations, policy analysis and/or law reform would be an asset

Responsibilities:

  • Providing legal support to Indigenous nations participating in RELAW projects: this may include story analysis, co-facilitating community-based workshops and focus groups, drafting of written expressions of Indigenous law, and developing/implementing enforcement strategies
  • Contributing to and participating in the RELAW Co-learning Program, including curriculum development and retreat facilitation
  • Developing and advancing law reform proposals and practical legal solutions related to Indigenous law recognition and environmental protection in cooperation with Indigenous nations and organizations
  • Providing summary legal and strategic advice to individuals, Indigenous peoples and non-governmental organisations facing an environmental problem or seeking to advance environmental objectives
  • Internal collaboration with legal and non-legal staff on organizational projects and objectives such as fundraising and communications
Remuneration: $68,000 -$98,000 depending on year of call plus competitive benefit package. $54,000 for articling students. Minimum 3-year call preferred. Candidates must be members of the Law Society of BC or eligible for admission.
Contract duration: 12 -18 months, with the possibility of renewal.
At West Coast Environmental Law, we aim to promote equity and challenge discrimination. Applications from Indigenous lawyers are strongly encouraged.