Lawyer - Indigenous Legal Advisor

Description

Are you a motivated lawyer with a keen interest in public sector law, particularly in the area of Indigenous legal matters and reconciliation? Consider working in a dynamic, team environment within the Legal Services Branch. We value hard work and a strong work/life balance. This role will focus on providing high-level guidance on Indigenous-related legal matters, offering the opportunity to directly impact the City’s commitment to reconciliation and advancing Indigenous rights. Here is how you’ll make a difference to the City of Edmonton.

What will you do? 

• Provide expert legal advice and support to the City of Edmonton on a wide range of complex and evolving legal matters, including matters specific to Indigenous rights and reconciliation
• Assist the City in navigating its obligations and commitments related to Indigenous rights and reconciliation, Support the City’s organizational priorities
• Focus on key issues such as:
  • Evaluating policies and bylaws through the lens of equity and reconciliation
  • Indigenous Duty to Consult
  • Treaty Law (Canadian)
  • Indigenous rights
  • Urban reserves
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission Municipal Response Plan
  • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Municipal Response Plan
  • The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) policy
• Provide proactive legal counsel and strategic recommendations to mitigate risk and potential liability
• Draft and review legal agreements, bylaws, and other legal documents
• Conduct legal research, prepare legal memos, and provide legal opinions and arguments, both orally and in writing
• Attend meetings with various business areas within the City, as well as City Council and Council Committees, presenting legal analysis and recommendations
• Attend and coordinate meetings with various Indigenous partners, Indigenous government representatives, Indigenous legal council, and administrative representatives
• Support high-profile projects and emerging case law related to Indigenous legal matters, strengthening the City's capacity to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of Indigenous legal issues
• Collaboration and Consultation with the Indigenous Relations Office, the City Manager’s High Level Office of Reconciliation and Employee and Legal Services to advance reconciliation efforts and address systemic racism and discrimination within the corporation
• Negotiate and facilitate resolutions to complex legal disputes and matters
• Gather and analyze information through meetings, in-depth research, and meticulous document review

Qualifications:

• Completion of LLB/Juris Doctor (JD) or its equivalent and membership with the Law Society of Alberta, or the ability to attain membership with the Law Society of Alberta immediately upon appointment
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working in a similar role
• Experience in advising on Indigenous legal matters, including but not limited to duty to consult, treaty law, Indigenous rights, urban reserves, and other related matters
• Experience in working and partnering with Indigenous communities and organizations
• Knowledge of Indigenous traditions and protocols

Assets:

• Lived experience with traditional Indigenous communities, history, culture and current environment. Preference will be given to First Nations, Metis, Inuit or non registered Indigenous persons within the Canadian context. If you are Indigenous, we encourage you to self-identify in your application
• Understanding of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice, Indigenous Treaty rights and issues specific to Indigenous Rights holders and Urban Indigenous populations

Skills required for success:

• Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal, negotiating, and written communication abilities, with the capacity to effectively convey complex ideas to diverse audiences, build positive relationships, establish clear expectations, and collaborate successfully in a team environment
• Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrates strong analytical, legal research, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Independent and Discretionary Judgment: Proven ability to work independently with confidence, even under ambiguous circumstances and time constraints
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced computer software competency skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications
• Possesses strong political acumen, diplomacy, and negotiation skills
• Demonstrates the ability to exercise discretion and act in the public interest
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion (https://bit.ly/3hd2d95)
• Applicants may be tested

Conditions of employment & work environment: 

• Up to: 1 permanent full-time position
• Hours of work: 36.9 hours per week, Monday - Friday
• Salary Range: $90,325.00 - $178,285.00 (Annually)
• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
• This position is eligible for the EDO program (Earned Day Off)
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent) would considered an asset as there is frequent travel within the city, often with materials
• Applicants may be required to arrange their own transportation for this position and where appropriate will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. This may require you to obtain business-use auto insurance

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

Talent sourced through this process may be considered for similar opportunities within the City of Edmonton.

Talent Acquisition Consultant: AS/MZ

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.