Solicitor Associate

Job description

Solicitor Associate About us JFK Law LLP is a mid-sized, national law firm focused on delivering high quality legal services to Indigenous people, communities, and organizations. We are a national leader in Aboriginal law with offices in Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, Kahnawake, and Montreal. We foster an environment of excellence in serving our clients, continuous learning, cultural competency, and mutual respect. JFK Law is committed to advancing justice and self-determination for Indigenous people. Trusted by Indigenous individuals and communities for our results, determination, and experience, we foster an inclusive workplace where collaboration drives meaningful outcomes. We bring dedication and rigor to everything we do, and we hold ourselves to high standards of care and precision. We are guided by values of honouring Indigenous voices, being bold, creative, and strategic. We listen with humility, we strive to innovate, we challenge norms, and we create a modern, inclusive environment where all team members can thrive in an environment where we are equally accountable to our clients and our colleagues in making a lasting impact. As a firm dedicated to serving Indigenous people, we strongly encourage Indigenous applicants to apply. We are deeply committed to building and sustaining a workplace that supports our Indigenous team members in their professional growth and honours their personal and cultural identities. Role Overview This full-time Solicitor Associate position will support our growing solicitor practice serving Indigenous people, communities, and organizations. This role will focus on commercial transactions, real estate matters on First Nations lands, corporate law, and corporate governance, including advising Chief and Council, with opportunities to develop expertise in law drafting and the tax-related aspects of transactions. The Solicitor Associate will work closely with the JFK Partners, senior counsel, and associates while also taking ownership of files and client relationships. Location Victoria preferred; Vancouver will also be considered. Key responsibilities Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, leases, financing documents, and other transactional documents Advise Indigenous clients on commercial and real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and development matters on First Nations lands Support and lead corporate transactions, reorganizations, and corporate governance matters, including advising Chief and Council, boards, and Indigenous-owned entities Conduct legal due diligence and prepare transactional closing documents and checklists Prepare clear, practical legal opinions, memoranda, and briefing materials for clients, and draft laws, codes, and bylaws for Indigenous governments Assist clients with corporate structuring, including incorporation, governance documents, ongoing compliance, and the establishment of Indigenous economic development corporations and related entities Liaise with clients, opposing counsel, financial institutions, and other advisors Manage files independently, including timelines, deliverables, and client communications Collaborate with internal teams to deliver high-quality, efficient legal services Occasional travel as required for client meetings or transactions This associate is expected to work with a team but will also be able to work independently and take responsibility for leading on files and projects. This may include representing our clients in negotiations and community engagement sessions. This associate is also expected to travel to meet with Indigenous communities. Qualifications Required: 5-8+ years of experience as a lawyer in a commercial, real estate, or corporate solicitor practice, with a demonstrated commitment to excellent client service and demonstrated legal skills Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements Experience with real estate transactions (commercial acquisitions, leasing, financing) Excellent analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities Effective communication and client relationship skills Called to the Bar in British Columbia (or eligible for admission) Any of the following would be assets : Experience with tax aspects of corporate or real estate transactions Experience with corporate reorganizations or structuring, or with drafting laws, codes, and bylaws and advising Chief and Council or other Indigenous governing bodies Exposure to financing transactions and secured lending Background in a mid-sized or full-service firm commercial practice Experience working for Indigenous communities or individuals; Compensation and Benefits JFK Law offers a competitive salary and extended benefits. If you would like to advance your career with a progressive team that is passionate about making an impact and advancing the rights of Indigenous people, please submit a cover letter and resume. Short-listed candidates will be contacted; others will be kept in our database for future consideration. Thank you for your interest in JFK Law. Applicants are encouraged to disclose if they are from an equity-seeking group and/or if they are a citizen of an Indigenous Nation.