Associate Lawyer

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

We’re looking for a highly motivated Associate Lawyer to build a successful practice specializing in Indigenous governance law. In this role, you’ll work directly with clients by supporting them on their paths to self-governance, justice, and community development. You will work on complex, high-impact files, and play a key role in the development of Indigenous laws and governance frameworks.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strong legal advice and strategic recommendations
• Draft Indigenous laws, policies, governance codes, agreements, and legal opinions
• Conduct complex legal research and synthesize findings clearly and practically
• Work directly with Indigenous governments, Boards, and senior administrators
• Support Nations in exercising jurisdiction in areas such as governance, lands, and child and family services
• Engage with community members, leadership, and other governments to strengthen self-governance and promote self-determination
• Negotiate government-to-government agreements and facilitate access to federal funding resources for clients
• Manage files independently while collaborating closely with senior counsel
• Meet clear productivity expectations and billing targets
  

QUALIFICATIONS 

• LLB or JD from an accredited law school
• Must be a member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia and willing to be called in other jurisdictions, if required
• 3-7 years of demonstrated First Nations governance law experience
• Demonstrated 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
• Sound legal judgment, advocacy and client relationship skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, both independently and as part of the team
• Desire to work in a hybrid environment, 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

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.