(Vn-23032-La) Criminal Defence Lawyer

**Competition Number**:
VN-23032-LA**
**Type**:
Internal &
External - Full-Time, Indeterminate**
**Hours of Work**:
36 hours per week;
Mondays through Fridayswith every second Friday free from work**
**Compensation**:
Up to $100K per annum, plus a generous leave, benefits and pension package**
**Program &
Location**:
Vancouver, Downtown Eastside**
**Deadline**:
Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at noon**
- About Us:
- Atira Women's Resource Society, an award-winning nonprofit organization known for its inclusionary hiring practices and where a job is more than a pay cheque. We offer the opportunity to work alongside a remarkable group of women working to make the world a more just place, one woman, one child, one home, one job at a time.
About the Job:
- The Atira Legal Advocacy Program is piloting an Early Resolution program in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The Criminal Defence Lawyer (Lawyer) will work closely with the Early Resolution Criminal Justice Advocate and the manager of Atira’s legal advocacy program to spearhead this unique project. The project will support women facing criminal charges (with priority given to Indigenous women and women who are racialized), who are eligible for Legal Aid, and for whom an early resolution, such as alternative measures, is being sought. The Lawyer will provide trauma-informed support working with women to put together exceptional story-led proposals to the Crown. With the support of the Early Resolution Criminal Justice Advocate, the Lawyer will keep track of all submissions and other criminogenic factors to draft a final report on early resolutions in the Province of BC.
About You:
You question actions inconsistent with our values and you treat everyone with fairness and respect independent of their status or disagreement with you. You expect great things from yourself and your co-workers. You inspire others with your passion for women’s anti-violence work and your eagerness for excellence. You contribute to an environment where women can flourish and grow and you seek what is best for women, rather than what’s best for you or your team. You challenge the status quo to improve quality and sustainability and you take smart risks and make tough decisions without agonizing.
You are a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of BC with demonstrated experience representing clients with complex legal issues, including conducting hearings and drafting submissions. You have a sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence, and case law, as well as a practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Your communication, presentation, and negotiation skills coupled with strong advocacy skills are stellar, as is your sound judgement and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remedies. You know the impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family, and other poverty law issues, and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by legal aid clients. Your experience providing service to women made vulnerable such as racialized communities, First Nations, Metis and or Inuit, youth, and those struggling with mental health and or addiction and or homelessness put your resume at the top of the pile. You work well under pressure and understand that you may be needed to work some evenings and weekends.
Because this program prioritizing First Nations, Métis, and or Inuk women and women who are racialized, hiring preference will go to First Nations, Métis and or Inuk women, and or women who are racialized.
Additional Requisites/Assets:
- Covid-19 and annual flu vaccinations are required, unless with an exemption
- Application Process: