Governance Lawyer

OKT TRAILER

Associate Lawyer at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP advising Indigenous nations on governance, land claims, and rights advocacy. Role includes collaboration and travel to clients’ communities across Canada.

Posted 4/12/2026full-timeToronto • 🇨🇦 CanadaMid-LevelSenior💰 CA$145,000 - CA$195,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

advise and support nations in governance and stewardship of lands and waters
negotiate land claims, modern treaties, and protected areas
engage in negotiations with proponents
design and implement nation-based regulatory and governance processes
work relating to the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate
apply the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples domestically

Requirements

What you’ll need

4-8 years of demonstrated First Nations governance law experience
Strong interest in Indigenous people’s self-determination and Indigenous rights advocacy
Proven experience and commitment to working with Indigenous governments to support self-governance and Indigenous legal orders
Creativity and innovation in the use of Canadian law and precedent to solve problems and support Indigenous nations and their organizations
Exceptional analytical, research and negotiation skills
Desire to work in a hybrid environment from one of our OKT offices, with regular in-office collaboration and flexibility to travel to our clients’ communities across Canada

Benefits

Comp & perks

competitive salary
extended health benefits
general spending account
subsidized gym membership
structured mentorship program

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

First Nations governance lawnegotiationregulatory processesgovernance processesanalytical skillsresearch skills

Soft Skills

creativityinnovationcommitmentcollaboration