CharityVillage

Role Posting: Staff Lawyer 

Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) is seeking a Staff Lawyer to provide summary legal advice, conduct test case litigation, and provide full representation to migrant workers. 

About MWC 

Founded in 1986, MWC is a non-profit organization that works to promote and advance access to justice for migrant workers by providing legal services, advocacy, research, public education, and engaging in law and policy reform initiatives. 

Context for the role 

The purpose of this role is to provide summary legal advice and full representation to migrant workers, as well as to conduct test case litigation and advocate for policy and legal reform on migrant workers’ behalf. 

The Staff Lawyer will report to the Legal Director and will work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes other Staff Lawyers, Intake Managers, and a Legal Secretary.  
 

Responsibilities 

• Provide legal information, advice, and full representation, with a particular focus on immigration law and employment law (including civil, employment standards, human rights, and WorkSafeBC); 

• Lead test-case litigation to advance the rights of Migrant Workers; 

• Deliver presentations on key legal concepts and protections to Migrant Workers and the organizations that serve them; 

• Collaborate with the rest of the MWC Legal Services team to provide other services to Migrant Workers, such as referrals to other services in the community, as appropriate; and 

• Provide activity reports and statistical information for the purposes of reporting to the funder. 

Qualifications 

• Current member or eligible for membership of the Law Society of British Columbia 

• At least three years of experience practicing immigration and/or employment law  

• Understanding of the issues and barriers faced by Migrant Workers in regards to the legal system 

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to a variety of audiences 

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice 

• Cultural awareness and ability to work with newcomers from various cultural communities 

• Experience conducting test case litigation 

• Experience working in the non-profit sector or in a legal clinic setting is an asset 

• Ability to speak additional languages, especially Spanish or Tagalog, is a strong asset. 

Compensation 

The salary range for this position is between $78,000 to $100,000 per year, commensurate with skills and experience.  

MWC also provides: 

• Extended health and dental benefits 

• Four weeks' vacation on the first year 

• A compassionate and flexible Wellness Leave policy 

• Participation in the BC Municipal Pension Plan, with matching employer contributions 

Other terms 

• We anticipate that the Staff Lawyer will do a combination of remote-based and in-person work, subject to public health orders and guidance, MWC’s own policies, and individual health needs.  

To Apply 

You can apply to the position via CharityVillage. The application deadline is August 9th, 2024.