Job Overview

The Staff Lawyer leads the YWCA Legal Education team and provides support to YWCA program participants where the Ministry of Children and Family Development or a delegated Aboriginal agency has apprehended their child, or where there are contact or access issues related to their child who is in foster care. The Staff Lawyer also participates in and contributes to broader systemic change through legal education, advocacy, and media engagement.

Responsibilities

- Directly supervise one lawyer and one paralegal, including hiring and onboarding new staff, bi‑weekly one‑to‑one meetings and coaching, managing timecards and time off requests, and conducting annual performance reviews.
- Provide summary advice to YWCA program participants and hold weekly drop‑in clinics at YWCA Crabtree Corner in the DTES.
- Provide full representation to a small number of YWCA program participants in child protection cases.
- Create and deliver advocacy and education materials in collaboration with the Legal Education team, including holding a monthly workshop.
- Manage the program budget.
- Public speaking on family law issues.
- Other duties as required.

Qualifications

- Minimum educational requirement: Law degree and training on Indigenous intercultural competency.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good time‑management skills and attention to detail.
- Strong understanding of the impacts of colonialism and of child protection laws on Indigenous culture and family life.
- Intersectional feminist understanding of intimate partner violence.




- Interest in a trauma‑informed approach to the practice of law.
- Motivated to work independently and as part of a team.
- Able to work collaboratively.
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, SharePoint, OneDrive and Zoom.
- Experience using Clio is an asset.
- Willingness to use SafetyLine, Relias, ADP Workforce Now.
- Valid transparent criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) required.

Benefits

- Extended medical and dental benefits.
- Pregnancy, parent and adoption leave top‑up.
- 22 vacation days and 3 personal days, plus paid sick leave.
- Flexible working arrangements for applicable positions.
- Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members.
- Workplace prioritizes employee health, safety and well‑being, including learning and growth opportunities such as an employee mentorship program and three equity committees to support equity and inclusion goals.
- Free staff membership to our Health & Fitness Centre.
- Discounts at our Hotel Willo.
- Priority in YWCA Child Care centres.

Salary

Salary: $75,642.68 per annum

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are committed to increasing representation and equity across our organization. We strongly encourage applications from women, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities and others from marginalized communities. We are also focused on creating leadership opportunities for Indigenous, Black, and gender‑diverse individuals.

📌 Staff Lawyer (Vancouver)
🏢 YWCA BC
📍 Vancouver