LAWYER
MENTAL HEALTH LAW PROGRAM
The Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) is seeking a Lawyer of 2 to 6 years of call to work in our Mental Health Law Program. This is a full-time defined-term position until March 31, 2028.
Located on the unceded territories of the ʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in what is now known as Vancouver, CLAS provides free legal services to disadvantaged people throughout British Columbia through its six programs: the Mental Health Law Program, the Community Advocate Support Line, the Community Law Program, the Community Legal Advocate Supervising Program, the BC Human Rights Clinic, and the SHARP Workplaces Legal Clinic.
The Mental Health Law Programis funded by Legal Aid BC (LABC) to provide free representation to low-income people who are involuntarily detained in British Columbia.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
This position provides services as a lawyer for persons who are detained under the BC Mental Health Act (MHA) and have a hearing before the Mental Health Review Board (MHRB), or who are detained under the mental disorder provisions of Part XX.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada (Criminal Code) and have a hearing before the BC Review Board (BCRB). Lawyers also participate in team discussions around key issues pertaining to mental health hearings in BC.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position will provide legal representation to persons at MHRB and BCRB hearings, including:
· Conducting client interviews;
· Advising clients of their rights, civil commitment procedures, and the MHRB and BCRB processes;
· Reviewing client files, requesting and obtaining necessary medical records;
· Preparing clients and witnesses for hearings;
· Preparing for and representing clients at MHRB hearings pursuant to the BC Mental Health Act, and/or BCRB hearing pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada;
· Maintaining accurate and current records of all work done on the client's file;
· Entering timely and accurate file, client and time data into the CLAS case management software;
· Participating in program meetings; and
· Any other duties as required.
This position will also connect with their program and CLAS colleagues and leadership around systemic and structural barriers to access for justice and client rights within the context of MHRB and BCRB hearings.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:
· Must be a practicing lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder; provide legal advice on patients’ rights and the hearing process, and assess capability of the client to retain and instruct counsel;
- Understanding of the Mental Health Act of BC, relevant provisions of the Criminal Code, as well as other statutes and regulations and court decisions pertaining to mental health law;
- Knowledge of Mental Health Review Board and British Columbia Review Board functions;
· Experience of and commitment to litigation work in a fast-moving, high-volume environment;
- Litigation and analytical experience and skills, and the practice of administrative law are strong assets;
- Excellent interviewing skills;
- Ability to use the DSM-V and the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals as reference tools to learn various types of mental illnesses, and the medications and treatment regimens given to patients;
- Excellent organizational skills including the ability to prioritize workload and balance time in the office and attending client meetings and hearings;
· Experience working with diverse people base in a trauma-informed, patient, compassionate and professional manner;
· Ability and willingness to sustain close contact with clients may have been the subject or the object of serious violence, trauma, or abuse;
- Ability to contribute as a positive team player with an appropriate combination of an independent and collaborative work style;
- Valid Class 5 B.C. driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and ability to do regular local travel, as required;
- Experience using case management software is an asset.
COMPENSATION:
CLAS offers medical, dental, and extended health benefits after three months of employment, a defined benefits pension plan after one year of continuous employment, fifteen paid annual sick days, three personal days and three religious days pro-rated to the employment start date, and a generous vacation allowance. CLAS has a hybrid work model of working remotely as well as in the office. The salary range is between $78,175 for a 2-year call and up to $87,990 for a 6-year call.
START DATE:
The preferred start date for this position is August 2026. We will be assessing applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.
APPLICATION DETAILS:
Please submit applications in PDF format by email only to [email protected]. Applications must include a cover letter.
CLAS thanks all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Should you have any questions regarding this position, please contact us at the email above. A minimum of 2 references will be required for candidates selected for interview.
CLAS strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. A workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. We aim to achieve a representative team that includes Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people from ethnic or cultural minorities and members of communities that face discrimination and disadvantage.
Pay: $78,175.00-$87,990.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vancouver, BC
