Advocacy Lawyer

Lawyer, Advocacy

About the CBA

The Canadian Bar Association champions Canada’s legal profession and the rule of law in Canada. We are the largest association for legal professionals in the country, representing over 40,000 lawyers, judges, notaries, academics and students.

We connect our members to the people, knowledge and skills they need to successfully practice law. We offer a strong, unified voice and promote fair justice systems, effective law reform, wellness and equity. We are the legal profession’s go-to source for high-quality legal training and information.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Advocacy Officer, the Advocacy Lawyer designs, manages, and delivers high-impact initiatives aligned with the CBA’s strategic priorities, while liaising with government officials, Parliamentary staff, internal CBA stakeholders, and members. Current priority areas include business law, environment and energy law, and immigration law, though assigned files may evolve with organizational needs.

The successful candidate requires strong project management and communication skills, policy fluency, and a collaborative approach to leading initiatives across teams and committees. The successful candidate will coordinate cross-functionally with CBA and Branch staff for CBA responses to those initiatives.

Location

66 Slater Street, Suite 1200, Ottawa, ON

Languages

Bilingualism is required (English and French)

Annual Salary

$73.86 per hour

Benefits

• Health & Dental
• Short term and Long term disability
• EAP
• Professional Development Funding
• Yearly Wellness Credit
• Pension

Responsibilities

• Monitors, identifies, and evaluates trends and issues in the legal profession and related professions
• Develops, manages, coordinates, and assists on Advocacy Department projects and initiatives, and substantive issues arising from the mandate of Board Committees, Subcommittees, and Task Forces, as assigned
• Monitors federal legislation and law reform initiatives
• Develops and maintains effective contacts with federal officials, Parliamentary staff, and other relevant organizations
• Advises CBA Sections, Subcommittees, and Task Forces on legislative and policy initiatives within their respective mandates and develops government relations plans
• Coordinates CBA responses to federal government initiatives, writing and editing submissions, advising on potential political implications for the CBA, and briefing CBA members on government relations and appearances before Parliamentary Committees
• Monitors outcome of submissions and advises on follow-up responses
• Advises Communications staff for media relations relating to law reform initiatives

• Attends meetings and represents the CBA in substantive consultations

• Responds to requests from CBA members, media, and the public on an ad hoc basis
• Acts as liaison to Board Subcommittees and Task Forces, as assigned
• Prepares briefing materials and communications for CBA Board and Committee members
• Attends Section, Committee, Subcommittee, Task Force, and Association meetings, as assigned
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB or BCL) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited university and membership in a provincial or territorial law society in Canada

Experience

• Experience in project management, preferably in a law firm or volunteer-driven professional association
• Experience in research and policy analysis and analyzing complex legal issues
• Five years called to the bar

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both official languages
• Knowledge of law firm or in-house legal department environment in the private, public, or voluntary sector
• Knowledge of federal government legislative and policy-making processes
• Knowledge of Canadian Parliamentary processes
• Ability to work as a team member, with groups and partners with opposing views
• Ability to multi-task and work with minimal supervision
• Ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced and time-constrained environment
• Highly effective interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy
• Availability for weekend meetings and ability to travel

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The CBA does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will only contact those under consideration. All applicants are encouraged to join the CBA Talent Community which establishes a list that may be considered for similar positions of various tenures.

The CBA is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in its learning, work environments, and in its operations. We encourage applications from traditionally marginalized groups. We believe in and promote the rights of all persons with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA 2005) and its related Accessibility Standards Regulations. To meet this obligation, the CBA will make appropriate accommodations available upon request. Please inform the CBA, in advance, of the need for accommodation(s) during the recruitment and selection process to ensure your equal participation. Requests can be made by email to hr (@) cba.org.