First Nations Lawyer - Senior Associate / Legal Counsel

Urban Legal Recruitment is very pleased to be assisting our valued client, Walsh LLP, in the recruitment of a First Nations Lawyer (Senior Associate or Legal Counsel) to join their highly regarded First Nations Law Group. This is a unique opportunity to join a respected team doing meaningful, purpose-driven work alongside First Nations communities.

Walsh LLP puts its clients and colleagues at the forefront of everything it does. With a strong culture-first approach, the firm prioritizes collegiality, teamwork, collaboration, and inclusivity. With over 60 years in Alberta’s legal community, Walsh has built longstanding and meaningful partnerships with First Nations, grounded in trust, advocacy, and results.

The Position

As an Associate lawyer within the First Nations Law Group, you will have the opportunity to work on a broad range of complex and impactful matters relating to Indigenous law and governance.

Your practice will include:

• Advancing Treaty and Aboriginal rights claims
• Federal Court and appellate advocacy
• Legal issues relating to land claims, intergovernmental affairs, and Tribal governance
• Supporting First Nations clients on corporate and commercial matters, bylaw and policy development, social services, and child welfare
• Providing strategic legal advice to First Nations leadership, including Chief and Council, administration, departments, and Elders

The Ideal Candidate will have the following:

• 7 to 12 years of experience in private practice and must hold active membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
• Strong experience in Federal Court proceedings
• Appellate experience
• Specific Claims Tribunal experience
• Demonstrated experience advancing Treaty and Aboriginal rights claims
• Experience working with Treaty Nations (as opposed to non-treaty contexts)
• Familiarity working with First Nations governance structures, including Chief and Council, administration, departments, and Elders

In addition, candidates should have the following:

• Experience running trials or contested applications/motions in Federal, Superior, and Appellate courts (trial experience considered a strong asset)
• Strong experience drafting pleadings, conducting questionings and cross-examinations
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships and networks
• A passion for mentorship and supporting the development of others

Our client is offering the following:

• Salary to commensurate with experience
• Lucrative yearly bonus incentives
• Family health benefits
• 1400 hours billable target
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
• Opportunities for advancement within the firm

Next Steps

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by emailing their CV in confidence to Stacy Cowan at: stacy@urbanlegal.ca

At Urban Legal Recruitment, we prioritize discretion and confidentiality. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This is an exclusive search with Urban Legal Recruitment.