General Legal Counsel

Located within the traditional unceded territory of the syilx people Westbank First Nation is a progressive and prosperous self-governing First Nation. The Okanagan Valley truly has it all including a great climate stunning scenery world-class ski resorts golf courses wineries and beaches.

Westbank First Nation values diversity and we are committed to creating a healthy strong and vibrant community through programs and services that promote physical mental emotional and spiritual well-being and healing. Come join our team and become part of an innovative and rewarding place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Counsel is the head of Westbank First Nation (WFN)s Legal Department and is responsible for identifying analyzing prioritizing treating and monitoring legal risks and other risks with legal components across the WFN Government. This includes but is not limited to Government departments boards societies the elected Chief and Council and other persons and entities essential to the governance of the Nation.

The General Counsel primarily reports to the Chief Administrative Officer with a secondary reporting relationship to Chief and Council. The position is a critical member of the WFN senior management team and works in collaboration with all Department Heads (Directors) to identify and more effectively manage overlaps and gaps between WFNs operations and its legal obligations.

The General Counsel is responsible for providing timely information advice and recommendations to the WFN Executive Leadership Team Chief and Council and other WFN entities to ensure compliance with WFNs Constitution laws and policies as well as the laws of other jurisdictions notably Canada and British Columbia.

The General Counsel is also responsible for identifying and addressing other risks faced by the WFN Government that have legal components such as employee misconduct fraud or financial crime and legal risks arising from daily operations including contractual intellectual property and real property matters.

Additional responsibilities include law and policy drafting; preparation review and vetting of contracts; assistance with procurement; risk and liability assessments; overseeing and/or working with external legal counsel; and providing sound legal research and advice in support of WFNs government operations initiatives and opportunities.

Most importantly the General Counsel must exercise absolute discretion and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
Indigenous Intercultural Competency Training
Trauma-Informed Lawyering Training

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a legal local government or corporate setting
Strong working knowledge of:
o Local government
o Indigenous law and First Nation self-governance
o Public administration structures
o Indigenous administrative real estate and corporate law
Demonstrated capacity in legislative and legal drafting

REQUIREMENTS
Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to WFN
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and exercise discretion in all matters relating to the affairs of Westbank First Nation

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
Act as the principal lawyer and head of WFNs Legal Department
Work in tandem with Directors to monitor and ensure compliance by Chief and Council and Government departments with WFNs Constitution laws and policies as well as applicable federal and provincial laws
Attend meetings related to legal matters as directed by the Council Secretariat
Provide relevant accurate and timely legal advice and recommendations to the Chief Administrative Officer Council Secretariat Executive Leadership Team Chief and Council and where appropriate WFN Membership
Establish WFNs long-term legislative agenda and ensure its implementation
Receive and address legal requests and matters with legal components from the Chief Administrative Officer Executive Leadership Team Chief and Council boards societies and occasionally WFN Membership; engage external legal counsel as required
Oversee the work and performance of Legal Department employees and contracted external counsel
Engage with legal practice groups and professional networks
Draft and review contracts and contractor agreements
Oversee the preparation and development of WFN laws as directed by the Council Secretariat
Conduct legal research and analysis related to proposed laws and regulations developed by WFN or imposed by other jurisdictions and provide legal opinions options and recommendations
Manage insurance and litigation claims on behalf of WFN
Negotiate with federal and provincial governments regarding self-government implementation initiatives
Interpret and explain WFN laws procedures and policies to the Council Secretariat WFN staff Chief and Council and WFN Membership as required
Review draft policies prepared by WFN staff to ensure consistency with legislation formatting standards and legal authority and approval requirements
Support the maintenance of WFN laws and the Registry of Laws and ensure public legal documents are made available to Membership or others as required
Review employment contractor and other agreements as directed by the Council Secretariat
Act as a Commissioner for taking oaths and affidavits on behalf of the WFN Government
Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the affairs of WFN
Perform all duties in accordance with WFN policies standards and procedures and as directed by the Council Secretariat
Attend WFN Membership meetings as required to provide legal information and advice
Supervise or support an Articled Student as required
Perform other related duties as necessary to fulfill the role

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work constructively and respectfully with departmental staff
Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings
Strong understanding of Indigenous history culture and community
Understanding of First Nation self-government WFNs Constitution and its laws
Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with policy and administrative bodies

To learn more about Westbank First Nation please visit our website at .

All applications must be submitted through our Employment Opportunities page. Ensure you attach your cover letter and resume. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

The median salary range for this position is $141772

This opportunity will close at midnight on Sunday February 22nd 2026

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds preference will be provided to qualified WFN Members & Indigenous applicants.