CharityVillage

Lawyer (Full-Time): Two-Year Contract
Housing Law Clinic

The Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) is a non-profit organization that provides free legal education, representation and advocacy on rental housing matters. A leader in tenants’ rights since 1984, TRAC’s mission is to enhance legal protections and improve access to justice for all tenants living in British Columbia.

TRAC is hiring a Lawyer for its Housing Law Clinic, which provides free legal representation services to eligible clients dealing with the following matters:

• judicial review applications at BC Supreme Court;
• stays of proceedings for Orders of Possession issued by the Residential Tenancy Branch;
• complex dispute resolution cases at the Residential Tenancy Branch;
• enforcement of monetary orders at Small Claims Court; and
• rental disputes that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Residential Tenancy Act (e.g. coop housing).

This position will require 35 hours of work per week and be based out of TRAC’s downtown Vancouver office at 900 Howe Street. The successful applicant will be offered a two-year contract, though TRAC will make efforts to secure funding that would allow the position to continue beyond the length of the contract.


RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will involve the following key responsibilities:

• working with TRAC’s intake staff and assessing the merits of potential cases;
• assisting clients with the gathering, preparation, and submission of evidence;
• researching and analyzing legislation, policy, and case law in order to prepare effective legal arguments;
• drafting BC Supreme Court documents;
• representing clients in legal proceedings in courts and tribunals;
• engaging in settlement negotiations with opposing parties;
• supervising the work of legal advocates, law students and volunteers assisting with TRAC’s legal representation services;
• completing a file review with TRAC’s Supervising Lawyer once per month;
• maintaining organized and confidential case files;
• providing summary legal advice to tenants and legal advocates who work with tenants;
• working with all levels government to provide legislative and policy recommendations that enhance the legal protections of BC tenants;
• attending meetings/events and assisting with research projects that advance TRAC’s systemic advocacy efforts; and
• providing media interviews on rental housing matters in BC.

This position may also be asked to assist with other TRAC programs and services, as required by the Executive Director and/or Supervising Lawyer, including but not limited to:

• providing legal information and referrals through the Tenant Infoline, email correspondence, and the Housing section of the PovNet online community;

• facilitating workshops / webinars for tenants and legal advocates who work with tenants;

• assisting with the development of Public Legal Education and Information resources; and
• assisting with the promotion and distribution of TRAC’s Public Legal Education and Information resources.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Practicing Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
• Minimum 2-year call (preferably 3+ year call) with experience before courts and tribunals.
• Passion for social justice and tenants’ rights, and an interest in developing a reputation as a provincial expert in housing law.
• Strong knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act and principles of administrative law.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills, including the ability to represent TRAC at meetings/events and in the media.
• Existing profile in the social justice legal community is an asset.

COMPENSATION

• $82,000 to $90,000 per year.
• 3 weeks vacation in 1^st year, 4 weeks in 2^nd year, 5 weeks in 3^rd year and beyond.
• Extended health and dental benefits after 3 months.
• 4% RRSP contribution after 3 months.
• Payment of mandatory professional dues.
• Payment of professional development opportunities.

DEADLINE

Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Please submit a resume and cover letter to:
Andrew Sakamoto, Executive Director 
andrew@tenants.bc.ca