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 British Columbia as a member in good standing with the Law Society of BC

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.