Associate Lawyer – First Nations Corporate/Commercial
Edwards Bell Jewitt LLP is a law firm serving Indigenous Nations, people, communities and organizations. We are based in Thunder Bay, and serve clients across Treaty 9, Treaty 5, Treaty 3 and Robinson Superior treaty areas.
We are looking for a full-time associate lawyer to develop and expand our corporate/commercial practice, working for Indigenous Nations, organizations and people.
The candidate will assist with a variety of matters for our clients, including governance issues, entity creation, directors training, joint ventures, and other corporate/commercial agreements, as well as assisting our not-for-profit corporation clients in their compliance with the transition to ONCA.
We are a small, congenial firm dedicated to the communities and people we serve. The ideal candidate is expected to work as part of our team, but will also be able to work independently, take responsibility for practice areas with minimal supervision, and take the lead on files and client engagement as required. We travel to the communities as much as we can; interested candidates will be required to travel on small planes, winter roads and northern Ontario highways as required.
Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:
- Working with our partners to enhance the firm’s corporate/commercial offerings to First Nations, Indigenous organizations and Indigenous businesses, including a strong focus on Indigenous not-for-profit corporations;
- Leading the creation of joint venture agreements, limited partnership agreements and not-for-profit corporations;
- Ensuring our clients comply with the transition into ONCA;
- Advising clients on legal risks and liabilities associated with corporate/commercial deals.
Qualifications
- Preferably 2–5 years’ experience in corporate/commercial law, but willing to consider candidates of different years of call;
- J.D. or equivalent;
- Member of good standing with the Law Society of Ontario;
- Experience working with Indigenous communities and individuals;
- Knowledge of and experience with the First Nations of Treaty 9, Treaty 5, Treaty 3 and Robinson Superior treaty areas;
- Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple files; and
- Positive team attitude and ability to work independently.
As a firm dedicated to serving Indigenous people, we strongly encourage Indigenous applicants to apply.
We offer competitive salary and bonus structure (range depending on experience) and extended benefits. Our office is based in Thunder Bay, but we are willing to discuss remote work opportunities for the right candidate.
Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to Lucas Jewitt (lucas@ebjlaw.ca) and Shawn Bell (shawn@ebjlaw.ca). Posting is open until filled, but candidates will be considered as applications are submitted.