General Legal Counsel– Full Time

Written By Amber Chen

WFN fosters a workplace environment that is diverse, inclusive, collaborative, healthy, and reflective of Syilx values and culture.

 

Who We Are

Located within the traditional unceded territory of the syilx people, Westbank First Nation (WFN) is a progressive and prosperous self-governing First Nation. WFN is dedicated to promoting a healthy and prosperous future to ensure its continued existence as a strong political, social and cultural community.

Westbank First Nation values Equality, Honesty and Fairness, Respect, Integrity, Accountability and Transparency, Sustainability, Understanding, Confidentiality and Efficiency.

About this Opportunity

The General Counsel is head of Westbank First Nation (WFN)’s Legal Department and is responsible for identifying, analyzing, prioritizing, treating, and monitoring legal risks—and other risks with legal components—across the WFN Government, including but not limited to, Government Departments, boards, societies, the elected Chief and Council, and other persons and entities essential to the governance of the Nation.

Want to know more? You will…

  • Act as the principal lawyer and the head of the WFN’s legal department

  • Working in tandem with the Council Secretariat and Directors, monitor and ensure that WFN Chief and Council and Government departments are following WFN’s Constitution, laws, policies, as well as other laws of other jurisdictions, notably, Canada and British Columbia

  • Attend meetings related to legal matters as directed by the Council Secretariat 

  • Provide relevant, accurate, and on-point legal advice and recommendations to the Council Secretariat, DOO, Department heads/, Directors, Chief and Council—and occasionally WFN Membership--on crucial decisions

  • Establishes WFN’s long-term legislative agenda and ensures it is implemented

  • Receive and address legal requests and other issues with a legal component that come from the DOO, Directors, Chief and Council, boards, societies, and occasionally WFN Membership--on various issues. Engage external counsel as required to meet demand

  • Oversee the assigned work and performance of legal department employees and contracted external counsel

  • Review draft policies prepared by WFN staff to ensure consistency with legislation, format and legal authority/approval requirements

 

Must Haves:

  • Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia

  • Indigenous Intercultural Competency Training

  • Trauma Informed Lawyering Training

  • Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a legal, local government or corporate setting

  • Good working knowledge of local government

  • High-level awareness of Indigenous Law and First Nation Self-governance

  • Knowledge of public administration and structures of various levels of government

  • Knowledge of Indigenous, Administrative, Real Estate and Corporate law

  • Law drafting capacity

  • Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to WFN

 

Perks of Working at WFN:

  • Competitive compensation package including 3 weeks’ vacation

  • Extended Health Care (including Vision and Paramedical Services), Dental, Basic Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and Health Spending Account

  • Municipal Pension Plan membership

  • Access to Big White Season Passes (Summer & Winter)

  • Employee Recognition Program

  • Access to LinkedIn Learning for Professional Development

 

Application Details:

The minimum salary for this position is $113,000. A hybrid work model is available.

 To review the full job description and to learn more about Westbank First Nation please visit our website at https://www.wfn.ca.

All applications must be submitted through our Employment Opportunities page. Ensure you attach your cover letter and resume. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

 

This opportunity will close at midnight on Sunday, June 18, 2023.

Amber Chen
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