JOB OVERVIEW

The Legal Counsel acts as in-house legal counsel, providing legal advice, managing legal matters and, as directed representing the Police Complaint Commissioner on matters that arise during the exercise of the powers and duties of the Commissioner under the Police Act.  This includes but is not limited to interpreting legislation, conducting legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions, drafting statutory notices or other written material, and managing adjudicative processes and other proceedings.

This posting is for one permanent full-time position. An eligibility list for similar temporary or permanent future opportunities may be established. Temporary positions may become full or part-time, permanent status. This position is excluded from union membership. This will be a Victoria based position. Resident in office.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Under the direction of the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner provides overall leadership of, legal proceedings related to the mandate of the OPCC.
• Provides legal advice, expertise and opinions to the Commissioner and OPCC staff on matters that arise during the exercise of powers under Parts 9 and 11 of the Police Act.
• Conducts legal research and develops legal opinions on a wide variety of matters. This involves the application and interpretation of the Police Act, provincial statutes, regulations, case law and legal principles that relate to administrate law and disciplinary processes.
• Monitors and briefs the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner on legal issues and adjudicative matters.  
• Assists in making recommendations for legislative changes, recommendations to government or to police boards for systemic change through the investigation of systemic issues related to police accountability.
• Drafts and maintains discipline summaries, statutory documents and other internal and externally facing reports.
• Works with legal senior staff at other agencies to monitor Canadian and international trends and developments, and to share successful practices in supporting police discipline and accountability.
• Supports the Commissioner to ensure office compliance with legislation, regulations and related policies.
• Establishes and maintains expertise in the areas of law related to the Commissioner’s statutory jurisdiction.
• Provides support to training and development so that OPCC staff are trained on administrative law, legal risks and issues, and provides orientation to retired judges recommended by the Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on procedural and other requirements under the Police Act, as required.
• Represents the Office in consultations and negotiations with other legal counsel (e.g., respondent member counsel, outside legal counsel, adjudicator counsel, etc.), senior police officials, government and other public sector staff.
• Works with OPCC staff, Corporate Services and other groups to ensure that office policies and procedures are in accordance with applicable legislation or other legal requirements.  
• Participates as a member of the OPCC Leadership Team in the development of the Office’s Strategic Plan and Service Plan.
• Supervises legal support staff including assignment of work, assessing and managing performance, and relevant approvals for leave and training.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• LL.B. or J.D. is required.
• A lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of BC, with relevant practical experience, and minimum five years of call to the BC Bar.
• Progressive experience in a legal role related to the mandate of the OPCC, which may include:
  • Administrative Law Administrative
  • investigations or inquiries
  • Criminal Law
• Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security screening checks as required.  

Preference may be given to applicants with the following:

• More than five years of call to the BC Bar.
• Experience with or knowledge of the Police Act.
• Experience working in an Independent Office of the Legislature.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the Police Act and provincial statues, regulations, case law and legal principles that relate to police oversight and accountability.
• Well-developed analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior verbal and written skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize high volumes of time-sensitive and confidential work to meet operational deadlines.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of discernment, tact and diplomacy in dealing with issues that may involve communication of information that could have a significant impact on the image and credibility of the OPCC.
• Superior research, analytical, and writing skills to prepare legal memoranda, submissions, decision documents, and policy papers.
• Demonstrated skills in advising within an operational team.
• Must be able to work independently and under pressure.
• Ability to delegate work and effectively use resources.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please review the application instructions and requirements listed on the careers section of our website: https://opcc.bc.ca/about-us/careers/