Advocacy Lawyer

Canadian Bar Association•Ottawa, ON

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) is seeking an Advocacy Lawyer to design, manage, and deliver high-impact initiatives aligned with the CBA’s strategic priorities. This role involves liaising with government officials, Parliamentary staff, internal CBA stakeholders, and members. Current priority areas include business law, environment and energy law, and immigration law, though assigned files may evolve. The successful candidate will require strong project management and communication skills, policy fluency, and a collaborative approach to leading initiatives across teams and committees. They will also coordinate cross-functionally with CBA and Branch staff for CBA responses to these initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor of Laws (LLB or BCL) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited university
Membership in a provincial or territorial law society in Canada
Experience in project management, preferably in a law firm or volunteer-driven professional association
Experience in research and policy analysis and analyzing complex legal issues
Five years called to the bar
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both official languages
Knowledge of law firm or in-house legal department environment in the private, public, or voluntary sector
Knowledge of federal government legislative and policy-making processes
Knowledge of Canadian Parliamentary processes
Ability to work as a team member, with groups and partners with opposing views
Ability to multi-task and work with minimal supervision
Ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced and time-constrained environment
Highly effective interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy
Availability for weekend meetings
Ability to travel

Responsibilities

Monitors, identifies, and evaluates trends and issues in the legal profession and related professions
Develops, manages, coordinates, and assists on Advocacy Department projects and initiatives, and substantive issues arising from the mandate of Board Committees, Subcommittees, and Task Forces, as assigned
Monitors federal legislation and law reform initiatives
Develops and maintains effective contacts with federal officials, Parliamentary staff, and other relevant organizations
Advises CBA Sections, Subcommittees, and Task Forces on legislative and policy initiatives within their respective mandates and develops government relations plans
Coordinates CBA responses to federal government initiatives, writing and editing submissions, advising on potential political implications for the CBA, and briefing CBA members on government relations and appearances before Parliamentary Committees
Monitors outcome of submissions and advises on follow-up responses
Advises Communications staff for media relations relating to law reform initiatives
Attends meetings and represents the CBA in substantive consultations
Responds to requests from CBA members, media, and the public on an ad hoc basis
Acts as liaison to Board Subcommittees and Task Forces, as assigned
Prepares briefing materials and communications for CBA Board and Committee members
Attends Section, Committee, Subcommittee, Task Force, and Association meetings, as assigned
Other related duties as assigned