Firm Description 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.

THE ROLE

Position Type: New Position

We are looking to add an associate lawyer to our team at OKT. In this role, the successful candidate will advise and support nations in various ways, including in governance and stewardship of lands and waters; negotiations of land claims, modern treaties, and protected areas; negotiations with proponents; design and implementation of nation-based regulatory and governance processes; work relating to the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate; and domestic application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Qualifications

• 4-8 years of demonstrated First Nations governance law experience
• Strong interest in Indigenous people’s self-determination and Indigenous rights advocacy
• Proven experience and 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
• Desire to work in a hybrid environment from one of our OKT offices, with regular in-office collaboration and flexibility to travel to our clients’ communities across Canada

STRONG ASSETS

• 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
• Experience with negotiations, including with proponents and other governments

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND A STRONG FIRM CULTURE

OKT is committed to excellence in the quality of our advocacy, in our relationships with clients, and in the way we work together. Our success is built on the strength of our client partnerships, the exceptional talent within our team, and an unwavering dedication to our clients’ success.

We strive to foster a collegial, supportive, and inclusive work environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute, grow, and thrive. We offer a competitive salary, extended health benefits, a general spending account and a subsidized gym membership for articling students, associates, and support staff. For associates, we also provide a structured mentorship program to help you develop your skills, build confidence, and thrive in your legal career.

WORKING AT OKT

OKT understands today’s expectations of a flexible work environment. At the same time, our work frequently takes us beyond the office and into the communities we serve, allowing us to build strong relationships and better understand our clients’ needs.

Associates should expect to travel to client communities across the country by plane, train, and car as part of our commitment to providing meaningful, on-the-ground representation.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RECRUITMENT

OKT may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process, such as organizing applications or identifying relevant qualifications. AI is not used to make hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by our hiring managers and Human Resources professionals.

Any AI tools used are subject to appropriate privacy, security, and risk assessments and are applied in a manner consistent with OKT’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and human-centered decision-making.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

OKT has implemented proactive recruitment strategies aimed at mitigating direct and systemic discrimination. We remain committed to an equitable hiring process that reaches and supports a diverse pool of candidates, and we strongly encourage Indigenous applicants and individuals from equity-deserving communities to apply. OKT also supports applicants with disabilities by offering accommodations throughout the recruitment process that take individual accessibility needs into account.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process or need assistance to submit your application, please contact us at 416-981-9330 and ask to be transferred to the VP, of People & Marketing to submit your accommodation request.

DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY

As part of our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, OKT invites applicants to complete a short, optional demographic survey. The information collected will help us assess and strengthen our EDI initiatives.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to provide information will not affect your application or how it is considered. All information will be kept confidential and secure and will be used solely for the purpose of evaluating OKT’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

The survey should take approximately 3-5 minutes to complete.