Legal Advocate

JOB POSTING

Legal Advocate (Full-time, Permanent), BC Human Rights Clinic (“HRC”)

The Community Legal Assistance Society (“CLAS”) is seeking a Legal Advocate committed to social justice to join our BC Human Rights Clinic.

Located on the unceded territories of the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in what is now known as Vancouver, CLAS provides free legal services to disadvantaged people throughout British Columbia through five programs: the Mental Health Law Program, Community Advocate Support Line, Community Law Program, SHARP Workplaces Program, and the BC Human Rights Clinic (the “Clinic”).

The BC Human Rights Clinic is a CLAS program comprised of lawyers and legal advocates who assist and represent complainants throughout the province with human rights complaints filed with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. The Clinic is funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General.

THE POSITION:

This is a full-time, permanent position to provide legal assistance to clients of the Clinic. Legal advocates represent complainants before the BC Human Rights Tribunal in mediations and preliminary applications. They do not attend hearings, but assist clients with all other stages of the human rights complaint process.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provide client-centered, trauma-informed legal advice and representation to complainants involved in the human rights complaint process;
• Advise complainants on properly framing their complaints under the BC Human Rights Code;
• Advise complainants of their rights and appropriate remedies under the Code;
• Staff the Clinic’s Short Service Clinic to provide members of the public with legal information, advice, and referrals to assist them with their potential human rights complaint;
• Represent clients in mediations and negotiate creative, effective, fair resolutions to human rights complaints;
• Advise clients on their disclosure obligations and prepare comprehensive evidence packages for disclosure;
• Assess the merits of complaints and prepare opinions on the strength of complaints and prospects of success; and
• Review materials, conduct research, file amendments, and draft legal submissions and affidavits on preliminary applications filed with the Tribunal.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE SOUGHT:

• Experience with advocacy and negotiation;
• Training or experience in representing parties in mediation/alternate dispute resolution processes;
• Working knowledge of human rights legislation and general human rights issues;
• Knowledge and understanding of the rules of the BC Human Rights Tribunal;
• General knowledge of workplace issues, employment law, workers’ compensation, and other income assistance;
• Sensitivity to the subtleties of discrimination and the impacts of marginalization and disadvantage;
• Ability and experience serving diverse clients with a trauma-informed approach;
• Experience with basic legal research;
• Strong written and oral communication skills; and
• Knowledge and experience working in a non-profit context.

COMPENSATION:

CLAS offers an excellent employment package including extended health benefits and a pension plan, generous vacation and paid sick days, and bonus days off during the winter holiday season. CLAS currently has a hybrid work model of working remotely as well as in the office. Starting salary range is between $54,000 and $56,000, depending on experience, with annual increases up to the maximum of the CLAS Legal Advocate salary scale.

DATES:

The preferred start date for this position is February 20, 2023.

APPLICATION DETAILS: The posting will remain open until a successful candidate is selected. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application promptly.

Please submit a CV and cover letter in PDF format by replyingto the posting or to:

Community Legal Assistance Society

300 – 1140 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 4G1

Fax : (604) 685-7611

Attention: Laura Track, Clinic Director

CLAS strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. A workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage applications from members of communities that face discrimination and disadvantage. In order to achieve a representative team, preference may be given to applicants self-identifying as a member of one or more of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ people, and people from ethnic or cultural minorities. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they feel comfortable doing so.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $54,000.00-$56,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in VANCOUVER, BC

Expected start date: 2023-02-20