Are you looking for an organization where work-life balance, diversity and a common sense of purpose are more than just words on the wall? Join the Law Society of British Columbia. Our staff, volunteers and Benchers (board of governors) are committed to one common goal: upholding and protecting the public interest in the administration of justice. We promote equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusiveness in the way we conduct our work, and we are committed to helping our employees maximize their potential.

The Law Society currently has openings for the following positions:

• Executive Support Administrator
• Practice Advisor – job share
• Claims Counsel – Administrative

Executive Support Administrator

We are now recruiting for an Executive Support (ES) Administrator. The ES Administrator is responsible for the provision of efficient and effective administrative support to meet the needs of the Manager, Executive Support, including assistance to the Chief Information and Planning Officer (CIPO), the Chief Executive Officer and the President, from time to time.

Responsibilities include:

• organizing and distributing agendas, supporting materials and draft minutes for meetings of the Benchers and the Executive Committee;
• administering BencherNet;
• administering the process for Law Society appointments of directors and governors to external bodies, including a database and bring-forward system for present and future appointments, a roster of potential volunteers, and routine correspondence;
• facilitating effective liaison and communication between Executive Support, the offices of the CEO and the President, the Benchers, and other professional and administrative staff, within and external to the Law Society;
• supporting the annual transition of Law Society presidents and Bencher committees and task forces;
• such other duties as the Manager, Executive Support may require.

The ES Administrator works closely with the ES Coordinator and the CEO’s Executive Assistant, providing support and relief to those positions from time to time as required. Operating with general oversight by the Manager, Executive Support, the ES Administrator frequently acts without supervision in matters involving diplomacy, discretion and good judgment.

Qualifications: a post-secondary diploma or degree in a relevant discipline and at least five years of progressively more responsible and administrative experience in complex organizations. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and be proficient and effective in the use of information technology and systems, particularly Word, Adobe Acrobat and Excel. Ability to work effectively as a part of a committed team is essential. Experience with management, administration and communication of board and organizational processes is an asset.

To apply, please email personnel@lsbc.org. The closing date for this competition is August 5, 2010. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Practice Advisor – job share

Our Ethics and Practice Advice department is seeking a lawyer to job share this position and work 17.5 hours per week.

The Practice Advisor position requires regular contact with lawyers and students, and the duties may include:

• providing confidential ethical, practice and office management advice and support to the legal profession, including advising on appropriate professional conduct and resolution of professional conflicts
• providing support to and participating in the work of the Ethics Committee
• analyzing issues of concern to lawyers and making recommendations for action, such as changes to the Law Society Rules and the Professional Conduct Handbook
• writing articles for publication in the Benchers' Bulletin
• coordinating development and updating of the Practice Checklist Manual
• updating practice advice materials
• preparing and presenting speaking engagements and organizing courses
• such other duties as may be designated by the Director of Education & Practice

The nature of the work requires a significant knowledge of the practice of law, a high degree of autonomy, self-direction, and a comprehensive understanding of the Law Society Rules and the Professional Conduct Handbook. The Practice Advisor operates with the general oversight of the Director of Education and Practice.

Qualifications: Practising membership in the Law Society of BC or eligibility for membership. A minimum of five years of recent practice experience and law firm management experience is preferred. Knowledge of the practice of law, including related practice management and computer technology. May require specific subject matter expertise. Superior writing and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

The terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Law Society of BC and the Professional Employees Association apply to this position.

This position is within the Practice Advice and Standards job classification, and the salary range for this position is $47,959.66 to $58,115.99 (as adjusted to reflect a 17.5 hour work week).

To apply, please email personnel@lsbc.org. The closing date for this competition is August 6, 2010. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Claims Counsel – Administrative

Are you a lawyer with management aspirations? If so, the Lawyers Insurance Fund may be the place for you.

We're searching for a lawyer to eventually assume some of the administrative and managerial duties necessary for the effective operation of the Law Society's professional liability and defalcation insurance program. You have an aptitude for organization, and find the prospect of a management future intriguing. A self-starter who works to high standards, you seek a warm, collegial and balanced workplace. If the description fits, apply to join the outstanding team of professionals with the Lawyers Insurance Fund.

To be considered, you must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of BC and have a minimum of five years' practice experience in the province. An excellent reputation in the legal community is essential. Preference will be given to you if you have:

• some management experience or training; and
• practice experience, both as a litigator and a solicitor.

Although you will start as a full-time Claims Counsel, we anticipate you will eventually become an integral part of the Lawyers Insurance Fund management team. Your responsibilities will range from investigating and resolving professional liability claims against lawyers, to administrative and organizational duties, including the management of projects relating to claims and risk management, and underwriting.

You have exceptional organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, sound judgment, and take a practical approach to issues. You understand that a systematic approach to operations is critical for the success of any well-run organization. Although your attention to detail means that you focus on each individual tree, you never lose sight of the much bigger forest. Task-oriented, you manage your time and resources strategically to achieve optimal outcomes as efficiently as possible, and on time.

You bring the passion needed to maintain the consistently high standards of quality and service that has led to the recognition of the Lawyers Insurance Fund as the premier insurance program in North America.

The Lawyers Insurance Fund is owned and operated by the Law Society of BC and provides insurance to all lawyers engaged in private practice in British Columbia. The Lawyers Insurance Fund has over $85 million in assets, an annual budget of $14 million and manages more than 1,000 reports of claims and potential claims against lawyers each year.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and an attractive benefits package. Please submit your curriculum vitae and references to:

Human Resources Department
The Law Society of British Columbia
8th Floor, 845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 4Z9
Fax: 604-443-5747
Email: personnel@lsbc.org

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.