In-House Legal Counsel

Position Overview

The In-House Legal Counsel plays a key role in supporting the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) by providing strategic and practical legal advice and services to the organization. This includes supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and AFN leadership on a wide range of legal matters including Indigenous rights, governance, administrative and constitutional law, human rights, employment law, corporate law, and contract management. The Legal Counsel ensures AFN’s legal interests are protected while supporting the organization’s strategic objectives and respecting the diverse legal and cultural contexts of First Nations across Canada.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Representation:

• Provide legal representation to the AFN and appear before administrative tribunals, boards, and all levels of court.


• Draft case briefs and briefing notes on legislation, legal cases and opinions, and upcoming legal issues impacting First Nations and the work of the AFN.


• Draft speaking notes, communications materials, press statements, terms of reference (TOR), memorandums of understanding (MOU), policy position papers, presentations, reports, funding proposals, and correspondence.


• Draft contracts, agreements, agreements in principle (AIP), legal memorandums, legal opinions, legal factums, litigation strategy documents, legal submissions, affidavits, examinations for discovery, transcripts, and evidence.


• Review legal documentation for accuracy and compliance with laws.

Policy & Legislative Analysis:

• Monitor and analyze legislative and policy changes, providing regular updates to the CEO and senior leadership.


• Participate in national and international meetings and policy forums.


• Respond to information and action requests related to legal and justice matters and communicate relevant information throughout and across the sector and to other AFN sectors.

Collaborator Engagement:

• Develop and maintain strong and productive networks and relationships with national, regional, and community First Nations leaders, experts, and government officials to advance and negotiate AFN positions related to First Nations’ legal, and justice matters and concerns.


• Represent the AFN in various forums related to legal and justice issues and matters.


• Promote the interests of the AFN and enhance the AFN’s profile by improving public awareness and understanding.

Organizational Support:

• Implement sector activities with political priorities from the National Chief’s Office, AFN Executive Committee, including Chiefs-in-Assembly resolutions.


• Provide legal advice and support during Annual General Assemblies and Special Chiefs Assemblies.


• Provide technical support and legal advice to internal AFN partners.


• Assist with planning key milestone events.


• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• LL.B. or J.D. from a Canadian university.


• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and/or eligible for membership with the LSO.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience as in-house legal counsel or experience at a traditional law firm.


• Experience in all phases of litigation from investigation, pleadings and discovery, pre-trial settlement to appeal.


• Experience in providing legal opinions and advice to clients.


• Significant knowledge and in-depth understanding of First Nations legal issues, specifically in relation to treaties, land claims and management, legislation, First Nations government and governance.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills, networking and relationship-building abilities, conflict resolution and negotiation skills, sound business judgment, strong problem-solving and analytical skills.


• Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines and manage changing priorities.


• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external collaborators using tact, diplomacy, and good judgment.


• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment both independently and as part of a team.


• Superior written and verbal communication skills.


• Strong technical skills; demonstrated negotiation and leadership skills.


• Expertise in researching, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting legal issues.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and communication platforms.


• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.


• English is the working language; the ability to communicate effectively in French or any First Nations language is an asset.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based, with some travel required for meetings, advocacy events, and other legal-related activities.


• Irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the organization's needs.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use during research and legal document preparation.


• Ability to manage complex work situations with professionalism, emotional intelligence, and discretion.


• Ability to navigate a politically sensitive environment and maintain confidentiality.