Job Description

The Yukon Human Rights Commission is looking for our next Legal Counsel. This is a management position that has a critical role in upholding the Yukon Human Rights Act (the Act ) and advancing the mandate to eliminate discrimination in Yukon.

Reporting to the Director and occasionally the five appointed Commission Members, the Legal Counsel carries out a broad range of legal, policy, and advisory responsibilities. These include providing legal advice, drafting memos and decision letters, and representing the Commission before the Board of Adjudication and in court proceedings including appeals and judicial reviews.

The Legal Counsel also facilitates settlement negotiations, develops policies and procedures, contributes to research and public education projects, supervises staff and external legal counsel, and collaborates with the Senior Investigator and team to ensure unresolved complaints are thoroughly investigated - all while modeling a trauma-informed approach.

The Commission is a small and impactful organization that was created in 1987 to promote equality and diversity through research, education, and enforcement of the Act . The Commission is independent from all levels of government. Its process is governed by the Act and the Yukon Human Rights Regulations (the Regulations).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to the Director and Commission Members regarding their screening functions, including stopping, suspending, dismissing or referring complaints to the Yukon Human Rights Panel of Adjudicators.
• Facilitate settlement discussions in accordance with human rights principles, Commission policy, and the objects of the Act .
• Draft and review the Director and Commission Members’ decision letters.
• Provide ongoing training for Commission Members and staff; conduct legal review of public education materials and advise on legal aspects of research projects.
• Collaborate with the Senior Investigator, external investigators or legal counsel and staff to develop thorough and impartial investigation plans and reports.
• Provide legal information and support, where appropriate, to members of the public who wish to file human rights complaints.
• Represent the Commission before the Board of Adjudication and in court proceedings such as appeals and judicial review. This includes strategy development, preparing and filing documents, and appearing in proceedings. Legal Counsel may also speak to the media about legal proceedings when instructed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of human rights law and administrative law, and build collaborative relationships with community partners and organizations, such as CASHRA.
• Participate in Commission-sponsored professional development opportunities, which may occasionally require travel.
  

Additional Accountabilities:

• Apply a trauma-informed, discrete, respectful, fair, and consistent approach when dealing with the public.
• Represent the Commission and maintain confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy in interactions with all stakeholders.
• Build community relations, maintain current knowledge of human rights issues and undertake other activities in support of fulfilling the mandate and strategic plans of the Commission.
• Support best practices for human resources and labour relations as a management employee.
• Act for the Director, when required.
• Participate in public education activities.
• Develop internal guidance materials and public facing resources.
  

Essential Experience:

• License to practice law in Canada, with eligibility to practice in Yukon is required.
• 1-3 years of experience with human rights, administrative law or a closely related field.
• Ability to apply a trauma-informed approach when serving the public.

Asset Experience:

• Professional and/or post-secondary education relevant to the role.
• Working experience in a governmental or non-profit organization.
• Experience conducting investigations, legal research and/or writing legal decisions.
  

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including drafting legal documents.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse people.
• Ability to perform under time pressure.

Asset Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of human rights law and administrative law in Canada.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• De-escalation and conflict-management skills.
  

Education:

• Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Canada and be eligible for membership with the Law Society of Yukon.
• Other professional certifications, particularly mediation, are an asset.

Security Clearance Required: Yes
Medical Clearance Required: No
Desired Start Date: July 2025

Job Tags

Similar Jobs