Chief Legal Officer

• Join a team where you can enjoy work-life balance and do meaningful work
• Receive a competitive annual salary of $231,283 to $272,102, plus full benefits
• Enjoy a positive work culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, collaboration, and innovation

About the Law Society of British Columbia

The Law Society ensures the public is well served by legal professionals who are honourable and competent. We regulate the legal profession in BC, protecting the public interest in the administration of justice, by setting and enforcing standards of professional conduct for lawyers. We also bring a voice to issues affecting the justice system and the delivery of legal services.

The Law Society of BC is proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top 100 Employers of 2024 for the third year in a row. We are an organization that values a positive work culture, and that includes ensuring we are a diverse, equitable, collaborative, and innovative organization both inside and out. We are also passionate about employee development and wellness, and are proud to offer comprehensive benefits and support to our team members.

To read more about us, our mission, various initiatives, and resources, please visit our website.

About the Opportunity

The Law Society is currently seeking a full-time Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to join our team in a hybrid work environment, in Vancouver, B.C.

The CLO will oversee the Law Society’s professional regulation activities, including areas such as Intake, Early Resolution, Investigation, Discipline, Monitoring and Enforcement, Discipline Committee and Complainants’ Review Processes, Custodianships, Litigation Management, Unauthorized Practice, Practice Standards, and the Alternative Processes Program (ADP and administrative penalties). In this leadership role, the CLO manages a team of managers, lawyers, professionals, paralegals, and support staff. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, the CLO contributes to the development and implementation of policies and programs that promote the effective use of the Society’s financial and human resources.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement an operational plan that aligns with the Law Society’s strategic goals and ensures effective management of regulatory functions to protect the public interest
• Lead the ongoing review and improvement of regulatory programs and processes
• Recruit, mentor, and motivate the Professional Regulation staff
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Discipline Committee, providing support to the chair and liaising with the Discipline and Practice Standards Committees
• Report to the CEO, Executive, and Benchers as needed
• Draft responses on behalf of the CEO to communications from complainants, lawyers, and others regarding professional regulation matters
• Lead reconciliation initiatives within the Professional Regulation department, collaborating with the Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement, on implementing the IERM report for professional conduct and discipline
• Support the work of the Indigenous Navigator within the Professional Regulation department
• Represent the Law Society in the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s discipline initiatives
• Oversee the preparation of judicial candidate packages for the appointment of Masters, Judges, Special Prosecutors, and KC nominees
• Advocate for the protection of public interest in public and professional forums and events
• Participate in speaking engagements and educational sessions as appropriate
• Provide guidance on the transition towards a Single Legal Regulator
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director/CEO

About You

To qualify, you will need 15+ years of legal experience, including leadership, management, and regulatory expertise within a professional regulatory body, provincial or federal government ministry or department, or corporate legal unit. 

Skills, experience, and background in the following are required:

• Knowledge and understanding of litigation practice, including experience in discovery, evidence gathering, and the discipline process. Direct litigation practice experience within a law firm is preferred, but candidates must be adept at spotting inefficiencies and understanding the overall process
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to navigate political and interpersonal nuances sensitively and tactfully
• Experience working with boards and councils is an asset

As our ideal candidate, you excel at providing strong oversight and direction, effectively connecting various parts of the organization to achieve its goals. You have a proven ability to implement innovative programs and alternate processes that enhance efficiency and drive improvements. Your interpersonal skills allow you to work seamlessly with a diverse group of employees, fostering collaboration and inclusivity. You are sensitive and tactful in your communications, delivering thoughtful, well-considered responses that reflect an understanding of both political and interpersonal dynamics.

As a forward-thinking leader, you proactively identify opportunities for innovation and are committed to driving positive change.

About the Benefits

As recognition for all your hard work and determination, you can look forward to an annual salary ranging from $231,283 to $272,102, evaluated on skills and experience, plus the following:

• A hybrid work model
• Extended health benefits, including vision, prescription, and dental coverage
• Insurance coverage including accidental death and dismemberment, life, and short and long-term disability
• 4 weeks' vacation to start 
• The Law Society health spending account
• RRSP matching
• Join an organization that promotes a healthy life-work balance and a respectful workplace
• Team and organization social events such as monthly socials, celebrating birthday and service milestones, and annual events including the annual winter party and recognition lunch