Application Deadline: 11:59pm PT on January 6, 2026
Location: In-person based at office located on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territory (Vancouver, BC) or remotely from another BC location
Remuneration: Commensurate with experience based on year-of-call salary scale ($89,000 - $110,000 yearly based on preferred minimum 5-year call) plus competitive benefit package.
About West Coast Environmental Law: West Coast Environmental Law harnesses the power of law to solve complex environmental challenges and uphold Indigenous rights. West Coast has been working for systemic legal change to protect the environment for 50 years. We work to transform environmental decision-making and strengthen legal protections for the environment through collaborative legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law. We approach our work through an environmental justice lens, conscious of the importance of breaking down silos between environmental and other social justice movements. Our work seeks to address environmental harms while simultaneously promoting an equitable society. By putting the law into the hands of communities and creating legal risk for those who would harm the land, air and water, we are building the collective power to build a more sustainable future for all. Read West Coast’s values statement here.
West Coast Environmental Law is home to Canada’s only dedicated public interest marine law program, which supports First Nations, local groups, ENGOs and Crown governments to maintain and restore the health of coastal areas and the ocean. West Coast has an immediate opening for a Staff Lawyer to join the Marine Law program, which currently consists of three lawyers. We are seeking a new staff lawyer who is motivated to use their legal skills to achieve environmental sustainability, social justice and Indigenous self-determination. Some of the goals the Marine Law program are working towards include strengthening federal marine laws (including relating to marine protected areas (MPAs), shipping, deep sea mining and marine geoengineering), ensuring the new provincial Coastal Marine Strategy is implemented and supporting it with law, and supporting Indigenous nations in establishing and implementing coastal and marine Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). The new lawyer will support these campaigns and contribute to the development of new program priorities and strategies.
West Coast Environmental Law aims to promote equity and challenge discrimination. We recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, races, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, abilities and beliefs. We strongly encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups, specifically Indigenous and racialized people, members of the LGBTQIA2S+, trans and gender-diverse communities, women, and people living with a disability, chronic illness and/or neurodiversity to self-identify so that we can prioritize your application.
Qualifications
Required:
- be a member of the Law Society of British Columbia or eligible and willing to transfer;
- have a strong understanding of ocean law and Canadian Aboriginal law;
- possess strong legal research and analysis skills;
- be thoughtful and strategic in approaching law and policy reform goals;
- have experience in government relations and a desire to participate in the law and policy-making process, including lobbying;
- enjoy community outreach and coalition work;
- be a patient and dynamic communicator, able to thrive in highly charged situations and adapt to changing conditions;
- bring a commitment to, and experience with, trauma-informed legal practice and applying equity and justice principles to contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment; and
- demonstrate experience or willingness to work with innovative approaches for advancing environmental justice and Indigenous self-determination.
Responsibilities
- provide legal support to conservation groups and Indigenous nations working to protect marine spaces and assist governments to reach marine protection targets;
- develop and advance legal solutions related to marine protection, based on comprehensive research and analysis;
- stay up to date, analyze and comment on legal and policy developments that relate to the marine and coastal environment, as well as marine and coastal issues in the news;
- develop and deliver public legal education events and resources;
- collaborate externally with coalitions (Indigenous nations, local groups, ENGOs, industry groups etc.) and diverse allies to achieve common objectives; and
- collaborate internally with legal and non-legal staff on organizational projects and objectives, including fundraising applications, reports, and relationships.
Remuneration
Salary range is based on an annual full-time salary of $89,000 - $110,000 commensurate with experience (based on preferred minimum 5-year call). We offer 3 weeks annual leave to start, plus 2 weeks paid time off during our winter office closure, and a competitive benefits package including extended health plan (after 3 months of employment) and RRSP contribution (after one year of employment).
TO APPLY
Complete the online application form below by 11:59 pm PT on January 6, 2026 to submit your cover letter and resumé as one pdf and name the file with “First Name Last Name – Staff Lawyer (Marine Law) Application”.
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
We are committed to accessible employment practices. Applicants with a disability or any specific needs may make a request for accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Such requests should be communicated to admin@wcel.org.