Associate Lawyer

OKT Law • Central Saanich, BC

1d • CA$135,000 - CA$185,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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. We understand the practical challenges that Indigenous governments, organizations, and peoples face when revitalizing their own laws and engaging with the wide range of Canadian law - whether in the community, the courts, in the boardroom, or at the negotiating table. We develop legal strategies collaboratively with our clients, with Indigenous self-determination at the foundation of everything we do. We’re looking for a highly motivated Associate Lawyer to build a successful practice specializing in Indigenous governance law. In this role, you’ll work directly with clients by supporting them on their paths to self-governance, justice, and community development. You will work on complex, high-impact files, and play a key role in the development of Indigenous laws and governance frameworks.

Requirements

• LLB or JD from an accredited law school
• Must be a member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia and willing to be called in other jurisdictions, if required
• 3-7 years of demonstrated First Nations governance law experience
• Demonstrated 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 Indigenous nations and their organizations
• Exceptional analytical, research and negotiation skills
• Sound legal judgment, advocacy and client relationship skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, both independently and as part of the team
• Desire to work in a hybrid environment, with regular in-office collaboration and flexibility to travel to our clients’ communities across Canada

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Treaties
• Familiarity with Indigenous legal orders, languages, and laws
• Familiarity with mining, energy and other resource-related sectors
• Experience working for First Nations on issues relating to lands and waters, in Canada or internationally
• Experience with regulatory processes, including Crown-based processes that engage the duty to consult and accommodate

Responsibilities

• Provide strong legal advice and strategic recommendations
• Draft Indigenous laws, policies, governance codes, agreements, and legal opinions
• Conduct complex legal research and synthesize findings clearly and practically
• Work directly with Indigenous governments, Boards, and senior administrators
• Support Nations in exercising jurisdiction in areas such as governance, lands, and child and family services
• Engage with community members, leadership, and other governments to strengthen self-governance and promote self-determination
• Negotiate government-to-government agreements and facilitate access to federal funding resources for clients
• Manage files independently while collaborating closely with senior counsel
• Meet clear productivity expectations and billing targets

Benefits

• competitive salary
• extended health benefits
• a general spending account
• a subsidized gym membership for articling students, associates, and support staff
• a structured mentorship program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level