Senior Associate - Negotiation & Governance (Toronto)

Negotiation and Governance Associate – Toronto, ON

About us

JFK Law LLP is a mid-sized, national law firm focused on delivering high-quality legal services to Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations. We are a national leader in Aboriginal law with offices in Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, Kahnawake, and Montreal. We foster an environment of excellence in serving our clients, continuous learning, cultural competency, and mutual respect.

JFK Law is committed to advancing justice and self-determination for Indigenous peoples. Trusted by Indigenous Nations and communities for our grit, determination, and experience, we foster an inclusive workplace where collaboration drives meaningful outcomes. 

We bring dedication, care, and rigor to everything we do, and we hold ourselves to high standards of excellence and accountability. Guided by a deep respect for Indigenous voices, we are bold, creative, and strategic in our approach. We challenge norms, embrace innovation, and cultivate a modern, inclusive environment where all team members can thrive. We are accountable to our clients and our colleagues as we work to create lasting, meaningful change.

As a firm dedicated to serving Indigenous peoples, we strongly encourage Indigenous applicants to apply. We are deeply committed to building and sustaining a workplace that supports our Indigenous team members in their professional growth and honours their personal and cultural identities. 

Role Overview

We are seeking a full-time associate to assist the JFK Partners, senior counsel, and senior associates to represent Indigenous clients in negotiations, decision-making, jurisdictional assertions, and governance matters.  This will primarily include work on:

• Inherent jurisdiction, law-making and working on legal strategies within Indigenous constitutionalism.


• Rights assertions, advocacy and negotiation of jurisdictional and relationship agreements,


• Regulatory and consultation matters and decision-making recognition within Indigenous law and traditional governance revitalization.


• Co-development of Crown legislation that makes space for the exercise of Indigenous inherent jurisdiction.


• Other negotiations with all levels of government and industry, and


• Governance matters and revitalization of Indigenous decision-making, written law, and internal consultation and engagement related to law-making.

This associate is expected to work with a team but will also be able to work independently and take responsibility for leading on files and projects.  Depending on the successful applicant’s experience level, this may include representing our clients in negotiations and community-based decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Major areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

• Working with the partners in the firm to develop and implement strategy for clients;


• Working with clients to understand and address their needs;


• Supporting negotiations, project management, and strategic planning


• Assisting with the day-to-day file management;


• Participating in negotiations and consultation-related meetings;


• Assisting with regulatory and consultation and UNDRIP related matters;


• Drafting relationship and project decision-making agreements, impact-benefit agreements and other agreements with industry and Crown governments; and


• Advising on governance revitalization of traditional decision-making and knowledge systems, which may include drafting laws and taking instruction of knowledge keepers, advising Indigenous leadership on their duties and decision-makers, and a variety of other governance matters that arise for our clients.


• Providing mentorship, guidance, and development support to junior and mid-level lawyers.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Have 8+ years of experience in drafting agreements, advising on governance matters, or aboriginal law generally (or equivalent experience);


• Demonstrated experience in negotiating agreements, leading strategic change in organizations, or supporting senior lawyers in a proactive and thoughtful manner;


• Have strong writing and editing skills;


• Have strong critical thinking skills


• Have strong interpersonal skills


• Be eligible to practice law in Ontario as a member of the Law Society of Ontario


• Be confident working with a team and independently, and


• Have a valid driver's license.

Any of the following would be assets:

• Experience working for Indigenous communities or individuals;


• Familiarity with negotiation and consultation processes involving First Nations, government, and industry;


• Experience and knowledge of regulatory hearing processes;


• Familiarity with regulatory processes at the federal, provincial and territorial levels;


• Participation in complex negotiations, including drafting of consultation agreements and impact-benefit agreements;


• Familiarity with Crown government negotiation frameworks and related policies;


• Experience working opposite federal, provincial, or municipal governments; or


• Experience in the areas of environmental law, land use planning, or resource management.

Compensation and Benefits

JFK Law offers a competitive salary and extended benefits.

If you would like to advance your career with a progressive team that is passionate about making an impact and advancing the rights of Indigenous people, please submit a cover letter and resume.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted; others will be kept in our database for future consideration.  Thank you for your interest in JFK Law.

Applicants are encouraged to disclose if they are from an equity-seeking group and/or if they are a citizen of an Indigenous Nation.