Legal Counsel

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca

Position Summary

The Legal Counsel reports to the General Counsel and provides legal support, contributing to the delivery of legal services across the organization. This role supports the review and drafting of agreements, provides legal analysis and risk identification, and participates in internal working groups and meetings to ensure decision-making is supported through a legal lens.

Roles & Responsibilities 

• As directed, review, analyze, and provide recommendations on funding agreements, including compliance requirements, risk, and key obligations
• Draft and review a range of legal documents, including contracts, letters, internal memos, and supporting materials
• Review and support negotiation of contracts and agreements, identifying legal risk and recommending practical solutions
• Participate in internal meetings and working groups as assigned and provide legal advice, issue spotting, and decision-support from a legal perspective
• Assist on legal research, policy and governance analysis, review of frameworks and agreements, summarize materials for organizational use
• Delegate tasks to legal support as appropriate
• Support the development of internal legal tools, templates, and processes to improve consistency and reduce risk
• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Law degree (JD or equivalent) from an accredited institution
• Member in good standing (or eligible for membership) with the Law Society in the applicable jurisdiction
• Minimum 3 years of relevant legal experience (private practice, government, or in-house)
• Strong legal drafting, contract review, and risk assessment skills
• Ability to communicate legal advice clearly and practically to non-legal audiences
• Experience working with or for a First Nation / Indigenous government or Indigenous organization
• Experience in one or more of: governance law, Indigenous law, administrative law, contract law, funding agreements, or negotiations
• Familiarity with self-government frameworks and Indigenous rights and title contexts

Working Conditions 

• In office, evenings and weekends may be require

Why work for Musqueam? 

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Competitive salary 
• Training and career development 
• Business casual environment 
• Community fitness and gym access 
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan 
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services