Advocacy Lawyer

at  Canadian Bar Association

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director, Advocacy, the Advocacy Lawyer monitors, identifies, and evaluates trends and issues in the legal profession. The successful candidate will liaise, develop, and manage projects with CBA constituent bodies, monitor federal legislative and policy development activities, and liaise with government officials, Parliamentary staff, and CBA members on policy initiatives. The successful candidate will coordinate cross-functionally with CBA and Branch staff for CBA responses to those initiatives.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB or BCL) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited university and membership in a provincial or territorial law society in Canada

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in project management, preferably in a law firm or volunteer-driven professional association
• Experience in research and policy analysis and analyzing complex legal issues
• Five years called to the bar

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both official languages
• Knowledge of law firm or in-house legal department environment in the private, public, or voluntary sector
• Knowledge of federal government legislative and policy-making processes
• Knowledge of Canadian Parliamentary processes
• Ability to work as a team member, with groups and partners with opposing views
• Ability to multi-task and work with minimal supervision
• Ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced and time-constrained environment
• Highly effective interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy
• Availability for weekend meetings and ability to travel

• Monitors, identifies, and evaluates trends and issues in the legal profession and related professions
• Develops, manages, coordinates, and assists on Advocacy Department projects and initiatives, and substantive issues arising from the mandate of Board Committees, Subcommittees, and Task Forces, as assigned
• Monitors federal legislation and law reform initiatives
• Develops and maintains effective contacts with federal officials, Parliamentary staff, and other relevant organizations
• Advises CBA Sections, Subcommittees, and Task Forces on legislative and policy initiatives within their respective mandates and develops government relations plans
• Coordinates CBA responses to federal government initiatives, writing and editing submissions, advising on potential political implications for the CBA, and briefing CBA members on government relations and appearances before Parliamentary Committees
• Monitors outcome of submissions and advises on follow-up responses
• Advises Communications staff for media relations relating to law reform initiatives
• Attends meetings and represents the CBA in substantive consultations
• Responds to requests from CBA members, media, and the public on an ad hoc basis
• Acts as liaison to Board Subcommittees and Task Forces, as assigned
• Prepares briefing materials and communications for CBA Board and Committee members
• Attends Section, Committee, Subcommittee, Task Force, and Association meetings, as assigned
• Other related duties as assigned