Legal Research Assistant

Eviction Mapping and Law Reform Projects

(10 hours per week: up to 300 hours total and an hourly rate of $25.68)

This is a grant funded (dependent) temporary contract opportunity for 10 hours per week (300 total contract hours) with project duration of 6 months, with a possibility of extension (subject to funding). Remote and flexible work arrangements are available.

Each job within the First United Church Community Ministry Society should promote our accomplishment of our vision, mission, and values.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

These projects seek to understand and document evictions from residential tenancies in British Columbia, and to create a law reform platform to improve tenant protections in British Columbia, including an Indigenous lens and a rights-based approach.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducting legal research (case law, legislation, Hansard, secondary sources)

• Conducting or assisting with one-on-one interviews with community members, listening circles, or other engagement practices

• Analyzing data on the impact of evictions

• Support in creating community presentations and other dissemination of results

• Coordinating with project volunteers and First United staff as required.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Experience with legal research

• Understanding of the Residential Tenancy Act or similar legislation

• Strong computer skills: MS Office Suite and Excel specifically

• Ability to work under pressure, with time constraints, balancing priorities, and urgent interventions

• Ability to display a high level of professionalism

• Strong attention to detail

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Partial or full completion of a law degree

• Familiar with reconciliation and human rights principles

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including in intercultural contexts

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

• Strong presentation skills, including online and in-person

• Ability to work independently and also collaboratively in a team environment

• Strong attention to detail

• Research experience in a related field (law and/or social science) would be an asset

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