Associate - Litigation (Vancouver)

About us JFK Law LLP is a mid-sized, national law firm focused on delivering high-quality legal services to Indigenous people, communities, and organizations. We are a national leader in Aboriginal law with offices in Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, Kahnawake, and Montreal. We foster an environment of excellence in serving our clients, continuous learning, cultural competency, and mutual respect. JFK Law is committed to advancing justice and self-determination for Indigenous people. Trusted by Indigenous individuals and communities for our results, determination, and experience, we foster an inclusive workplace where collaboration drives meaningful outcomes. We bring dedication, care, and rigor to everything we do, and we hold ourselves to high standards of excellence and accountability. Guided by a deep respect for Indigenous voices, we are bold, creative, and strategic in our approach. We challenge norms, embrace innovation, and cultivate a modern, inclusive environment where all team members can thrive. We are accountable to our clients and our colleagues as we work to create lasting, meaningful change. As a firm dedicated to serving Indigenous people, we strongly encourage Indigenous applicants to apply. We are deeply committed to building and sustaining a workplace that supports our Indigenous team members in their professional growth and honours their personal and cultural identities. Role Overview The primary focus of the Associate is expected to be related to Aboriginal law, including Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, consultation and accommodation, and issues related to reserve and Aboriginal title lands, and Indigenous self-determination and jurisdiction. The Associate may also be involved in regulatory proceedings and other public law litigation, including constitutional, administrative, and municipal law matters. Key Responsibilities The associate will assist with major litigation files and may assume carriage of small to mid-size litigation and negotiation files. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Develop and execute legal and litigation strategies Conduct research Draft correspondence, affidavits, pleadings and applications Draft legislation for Indigenous governments and implement or coordinate agreements with governments Interview witnesses and prepare evidence, and prepare for discovery Appear before courts and tribunals, including arguing applications and portions of oral submissions Facilitate community sessions on law-making and Elders' and knowledge keeper deliberations about the substance of Indigenous teachings and knowledge systems for law-making Prepare for trials, including developing questions and statements and appearing at all levels of court Support negotiations, including self-government, jurisdictional, and exploratory discussions leading to clients’ exercise of jurisdiction and self-determination Manage files on behalf of our clients Appear before all levels of court Qualifications The ideal candidate will: Have over 4-7 years of litigation experience Have experience in the various levels of court; Have strong skills in advocacy and oral and written communication Have excellent analytical, interpretive, research and drafting skills Have proven negotiation skills Have the ability to work independently Be familiar with civil procedures Be proficient at building relationships and working well in a team environment Be eligible to practice law in Ontario as a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario Any of the following would be assets: Experience working for Indigenous communities or individuals Experience with Aboriginal and Constitutional Law Experience and knowledge of the regulatory hearing processes; Be familiar with negotiation and consultation processes involving Indigenous Nations, government and industry.

The associate will manage litigation files, develop legal strategies, and conduct research related to Aboriginal and public law. They will also draft legal documents, appear before courts and tribunals, and support negotiations regarding Indigenous self-determination.

The ideal candidate must have 4-7 years of litigation experience and be eligible to practice law in Ontario. Strong skills in advocacy, research, drafting, and negotiation are required, with preference given to those with experience in Aboriginal and Constitutional law.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Aboriginal law
• Litigation
• Legal strategy
• Legal research
• Drafting pleadings
• Negotiation
• Court appearances
• Constitutional law
• Administrative law
• Municipal law
• Regulatory proceedings
• Advocacy
• Oral communication
• Written communication
• Civil procedure
• Relationship building
• Continuous Development
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Accountability
• Legal Discovery
• Legal Pleadings
• Research
• Lawsuits
• Civil Procedures
• Constitutional Law
• Municipal Law
• Innovation
• Knowledge-Based Systems
• Writing
• Aboriginal Law

• Legal
• Government & Public Sector
• Consulting
• Litigation Associate
• Law Clerk
• Legal and Related Associate Professionals
• Judicial Law Clerks

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

5+ years

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week