Staff Lawyer

Together Against Poverty Society is hiring for two full-time, permanent positions for a staff lawyer in our Victoria and Nanaimo offices. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Based in Victoria on the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, and in Nanaimo on the territory of the Snuneymuxw Nation, TAPS is one of the largest anti-poverty organizations on Vancouver Island. TAPS specializes in face-to-face legal advocacy services. Through our work, we seek to have a positive impact on people's lives in ways that honour and promote human rights, justice, and a healthy, sustainable community. Interested applicants for either the Victoria or Nanaimo position can apply by sending a cover letter and resume by email to our Executive Director, Douglas King: ([email protected]).​ Job Description (Nature of the Position) The primary job responsibilities for this position are as follows: · supervise the TAPS Legal Advocates to provide legal information, summary advice, and representation to clients primarily in the areas of Residential Tenancy, Income Assistance and Disability, Employment Standards, and Human Rights law; · engage in negotiations and mediations on administrative law matters; · represent clients in judicial reviews and other administrative appeals; · represent clients in various civil, human rights, and bylaw matters as they arise; · support clients with notarization of documents and the completion of simple advanced planning documents; · provide public legal education presentations to community organizations concerning legal rights, responsibilities and entitlements; · prepare activity reports to the funders of this position and TAPS Executive Director; and, · work from an anti-oppressive practice perspective with individuals who are experiencing a high level of challenges. Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Education, and Skills Candidates must be a practicing member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia, a non-practicing member eligible for reinstatement, or called to the bar in another province and be eligible for immediate transfer to British Columbia. TAPS will pay all applicable Law Society Membership and Insurance dues for the successful candidate. While years of call and experience in poverty law practice is an asset and will be considered, TAPS is open to all candidates from any background or year of call. Hours of Work and Compensation​ Both positions are full-time (5 days/week or 35 hours/week), but are also eligible for 4 days/week or 28 hours/week if preferred. TAPS staff are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 374, and this position is covered by the TAPS Collective Agreement. The wage rate for both positions is based on years of call and experience and is set to the averages in the sector as gathered by the Law Foundation which funds the position. Under the TAPS Collective Agreement the minimum wage is $39/hr for new calls, up to $60/hr for those with greater experience ($75,457 - $109,200 annual). Start Date and Duration of Position The start date for the positions is as soon as possible. This positions are permanent and have no determined end date. Sick/Vacation Time Full-time staff are given 15 paid sick days and 20 paid vacation days annually, in addition to a 4-day paid winter holiday closure during Christmas and New Years, and a 4-day paid summer holiday closure during the week of BC Day. Applications and Interviews To apply please send Cover Letter and Resume, and if desired an optional short writing sample (3 pages or less) to: Douglas King, Executive Director [email protected] ** Writing samples may be of any type and applicants are encouraged to submit any sample which would help show the ability to advocate on someone's behalf or provides analysis/opinion. Some examples could be: · letter on behalf of yourself or another advocating for a change or a specific outcome (with identifying information redacted) · academic piece from any level of study · journalistic piece like a letter to the editor or review · legal documents or legal argument TAPS is committed to employment equity. We encourage qualified applicants from members of visible minority groups, Indigenous Peoples, people with diverse cultural backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQQIP2SAA+ people, people with lived experiences of poverty and homelessness, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. While not required, applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their cover letter as lived expertise is a valued skillset. If your application is impacted by systemic barriers such as ableism, by your language background being other than English, or by any other factors that make applying less accessible to you, please let us know as we are happy to accommodate. If you have any questions about the position before applying please contact the Executive Director directly at: [email protected]. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Supervise legal advocates and represent clients in administrative appeals, judicial reviews, and civil matters. Provide public legal education and work from an anti-oppressive perspective to support individuals facing significant challenges.

Candidates must be a practicing member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia or eligible for immediate transfer. Experience in poverty law is an asset, but candidates from any background or year of call are welcome.

• Paid sick days • Paid vacation days • Winter holiday closure • Summer holiday closure • Law Society Membership and Insurance dues coverage

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Legal Advocacy
• Residential Tenancy Law
• Income Assistance Law
• Disability Law
• Employment Standards Law
• Human Rights Law
• Administrative Law
• Judicial Reviews
• Negotiation
• Mediation
• Public Legal Education
• Anti-Oppressive Practice
• Notarization
• Case Management
• Legal Research
• Client Representation

• Legal
• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Feb 13, 2027

Posting language

English

Working hours

35 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level

Application method

Direct apply is available