Yukon Associate Lawyer - Supporting Indigenous Practice
Woodward & Company LLP is a national boutique law firm founded in 1988 with offices in Victoria BC, Tsartlip, and Whitehorse, Yukon. We aim to be the leading national boutique law firm that provides excellent legal services to Indigenous communities, governments, and businesses, advancing the practice of aboriginal law for transformative change in an era of reconciliation and decolonization.
As Woodward continues working with Indigenous communities in the north, our high-performing northern practice group is in search of a Yukon resident associate lawyer who is interested in practicing aboriginal law in the Yukon Territory.
We are seeking an associate lawyer preferably with an Aboriginal, Constitutional, Environmental and/or Administrative Law background and a strong commitment to Indigenous self-determination. The ideal candidate has litigation, regulatory and/or governance experience but other qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
Role Overview
The position is full time and will be based out of our Whitehorse office, with the potential opportunity to travel to Indigenous communities.
This position requires a strong commitment to Woodward values of Excellence, Respect, Accountability, Trust, and Ethics amongst many other values required by our Indigenous clients as their lawyer, working within Indigenous legal orders.
Requirements & Qualifications
• The candidate must be a member in good standing with one or more Canadian Law Societies – willing to be called to the bar in the Yukon.
• Experience with modern treaties, northern communities, as well as familiarity with Crown or Indigenous negotiations led by Indigenous peoples living in the north will be considered an asset.
• Strong research, legal drafting, and analytical skills are a must.
• Experience communicating complex legal concepts and demonstrates experience in Aboriginal, Constitutional, Environmental and/or Administrative Law.
• Flexibility to travel and work in northern communities is a necessary condition of employment with a valid driver’s license required since some of the work will be in remote areas that are not otherwise accessible.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated interest to contribute and expand in our areas of practice which include Lands, Governance, Section 35, Business and Economic Development, and Northern practice groups.
Why Woodward?
Woodward offers meaningful work, meaningful relationships, and a great workplace culture. We offer a compensation package combined with a generous range of benefits, including health, dental, contributions to RSP, wellness, professional development.
This position is anticipated to be fully in-office for the first 6-months throughout training and probationary period, and then may integrate into a hybrid work arrangement with flexibility for 2-3 days per week depending on the needs of an appropriate workflow for file and practice management with the team.
The position is located in our Whitehorse, Yukon office with encouraged visits and work out of our office in Victoria, BC, for attendance at firm events, ongoing training, and integration with the rest of the firm, and to attend meetings as required approximately 3-4 times per year.
How to Apply
If you would like to progress your legal career with a collaborative team that is passionate about providing excellent legal services to Indigenous communities, governments, and businesses, while advancing the practice of Aboriginal Law for transformative change in an era of reconciliation and decolonization, please email a cover letter and resume by July 28, 2023 to: employment@woodwardandcompany.com We will review applications as they are received.
Woodward is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our legal services and work environments. We know that our diversity strengthens Woodward values for Excellence, Respect, Accountability, Trust, and Ethics, and that we all share responsibility for creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusively collaborative workplace. Applicants with Indigenous ancestry are strongly encouraged to apply.
Short-listed candidates will be contacted; others will be kept on file for future consideration. Thank you for your interest in Woodward & Company LLP. We can’t wait to meet you!