The Nicola Valley Indigenous Justice Centre is looking for a Staff Lawyer – Criminal / Child Protection
We are hiring! The Indigenous Justice Centre in Merritt, British Columbia, is seeking a staff lawyer who is passionate about using their legal skills to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous children and youth in care, and reduce the number of Indigenous people who are systemically and unnecessarily incarcerated. Working with the IJC is an opportunity to build effective alliances with Indigenous peoples and work with them to reverse the negative impacts of colonization on their communities.
The successful candidate will be familiar with the history of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia, as well as the specific state of child welfare and criminal justice matters relating to Indigenous peoples. You have significant knowledge and experience in child protection and/or criminal law matters, and you are a practicing member of the Law Society of BC, or eligible to become so. While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.
You will work as legal counsel on a team that strives to ensure Indigenous peoples who face the child protection and criminal law systems do not fall through the systemic cracks that exist within those systems. As part of the Nicola Valley and broader BCFNJC team, you will help clients access the legal, social, housing, transportation and health and wellness supports they need to address challenges in dealing with the mainstream child protection and justice systems. You will also work closely with Indigenous communities to support their members who are before the courts and help design services that divert people to specialized and Indigenous justice models.
How to Apply:
Please provide us with a C.V. and cover letter setting out how you meet the requirements of the job description. Applications can be sent to [email protected] with “Staff Lawyer” in the subject line. This position can be flexible as a contract or staff position and hours may be negotiated.
