Managing Lawyer, Large Criminal Cases P048-26

LEGAL AID BC

POSTING

TO:                                            LABC STAFF (cc: PEA)

FROM:                                       HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

POSITION:                                MANAGING LAWYER, LARGE CRIMINAL CASES

             ONE FULL-TIME TERM POSITION - VANCOUVER

             (To March 31, 2028)

COMPETITION NO:                  P048-26

DATE POSTED:                          September 25, 2026

CLOSING DATE:                          October 2, 2026

STARTING DATE:                     ASAP

SALARY CLASSIFICATION:      Maximum Year Call 17

SALARY:                                Based on year of call - $77,509.24 (Yr1) to $158,795.95 (Yr17) + 10% Staff   Lawyer Benefit Plan (As per the PEA Salary Schedule)

Legal Aid BC is in the early stages of, and committed to a transformative journey to embedding Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all aspects of our work. We seek talent from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, gender diverse, racialized, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community be a part of this exciting stage of Legal Aid BC’s growth. We care deeply about the culture we are building and are looking for staff members who not only excel in their respective areas but are also passionate about supporting the people we serve and each other. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.  All interested and eligible applicants will be considered with due consideration to all protected grounds under the BC Human Rights Code.  If we can do anything to make your application experience a positive and equitable one, we want to hear from you on what we can do better. 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:   

The Managing Lawyer, Large Criminal Cases is responsible to the Manager, Criminal, Immigration and Appeals for the administration, management and provision of defence counsel in large complex Criminal cases. This position provides overall direction to the large case management program to ensure that resources are properly allocated, the provision of defence counsel services meet quality assurance standards, and the case budgeting process balances the complexity of the large cases with the need for public accountability.  This position is an expert resource to the Board, the Executive and staff and liaises with external stakeholders on subject matter issues and objectives.

DUTIES:

1. Provide advice and recommendations to the Manager, Criminal, Immigration and Appeals on the administration and management of large complex Criminal cases to efficiently allocate legal aid funds dedicated for the provision of defence counsel in complex criminal cases, provide adequate resources to represent clients in serious criminal matters, and assist in the forecasting and budgeting of costs associated with long trials.
2.  Supervises, monitors, coaches and participates in selection of staff positions, including performance planning, coaching and feedback meetings.  Monitors and evaluates the probation/trial periods of new staff. Assists the Manager and/or Director in issues of discipline in consultation with Human Resources;
3. Plans, sets priorities, manages issues and provides overall direction to the Large Case Management process to ensure accountability and budget predictability;
4. Negotiates with trial lawyers in setting out terms and conditions consistent with Legal Aid BC’s case management policies and procedures and obligations in Special Funding Agreements; assesses the qualifications of referral lawyers for cases, authorizes defense counsel agreements, authorizes exceptions to choice of counsel and authorizes the addition of junior counsel; develops methods to attract skilled and experienced counsel to take large cases;
5. Authorizes enhanced fees and extra fee requests within policy spending authority and conducts  reviews when required;
6. Authorize case budgets including disbursements and oversees expenditures to ensure trial lawyers are held accountable for the efficient defense of criminal matters and a cost-effective service compatible with LSS mandate; review and authorize case spending projections and advise Finance;
7. Represents a single point of contact for all matters dealing with large cases including operational liaison with Ministry of Attorney General, Department of Justice and referral bar;
8. Applies current policies, guidelines, standards and technologies of the organization for managing complex criminal cases;
9. Identifies and develops initiatives to support the efficient use of defense counsel on multiple-accused or other complex cases, e.g., when reviewing large amounts of disclosure or law enforcement investigative files;
10. Provides legal support and resources and acts as an advisor to Case Review Lawyers by providing advice and coaching in all aspects of criminal case management;
11. As directed, manages contracted services which may include the Mental Health Law Program, Vancouver Drug Treatment Court, Downtown Community Court and other services that may be developed;
12. As directed, represents clients in criminal appeal matters or other representation services in Criminal Law;
13. Liaises with other organizations and legal aid plans on large case management policies and business practices;
14. Provides assistance to various departments on issues related to the administration of large cases as required.  Participates in strategic planning, including development of new initiatives and changes to current systems, process, programs or projects, drafting issue papers and supporting other LSS divisions;
15. Assists in development of budget and manages expenses within the approved department budgets, including authorizing expenditures, approving overtime, vacation/sick leave and travel expenditures for all staff within approved budget and allocated spending authority;
16. Make presentations to stakeholders and community groups and participates in committee work as assigned and represents LSS at external meetings;
17. Oversees office procedures and administrative systems in accordance with LSS policy and standards;
18. Develop goals and priorities for the department through ongoing assessment of client needs, liaison with lawyers and community groups and participation in corporate planning activities;
19. Provides coverage for Managing Lawyer, Criminal Law Services and the Managing Lawyer, Appeals as required; and
20. Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Basic Requirements

• A degree from a Law school of recognized standing and membership or eligibility for membership in the Law Society of British Columbia.
• At least 5 years call to the bar in British Columbia or equivalent experience in criminal law in a legal aid setting, law firm or public sector.
• Experience as a lead litigator on trials/appeals involving serious criminal matters with multiple-accused.
• Experience in coordinating multiple stakeholder including internal staff, referral lawyers, MAG staff, the judiciary, Department of Justice and other federal representatives.
• Minimum 3 years management/supervisory experience
• Experience managing staff in a law office environment, or managing large complex criminal cases will be considered.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Strong supervisory and management skills in leading, coaching and directing of professional and administrative staff. Solid computer skills together with a good understanding of the use of new technologies within a dynamic work environment.
• Excellent legal analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex criminal cases.
• Excellent project management skills and the demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of Provincial and Supreme Court rules and practices.
• Excellent resource management skills with experience in effectively and efficiently allocating people and resources to achieve goals.
• Excellent financial management skills, with experience in managing and controlling budgets and expenditures.
• Excellent skills in the areas of planning, organizing, analyzing, criminal case management and administering processes, initiatives and information in order to achieve goals.
• Excellent problem solving skills focused on achieving continuous improvement.
• Ability to make sound decisions that balance quality and timeliness with a full appreciation for their impact beyond own area of responsibility.
• Excellent leadership skills with a proven track record for setting clear expectations, providing meaningful coaching and feedback, and creating an environment where employees are motivated and able to do their best.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and change management skills with a proven track record for securing the energy and commitment of others.
• Ability to foster effective working relationships with peers, subordinates and external contacts and to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• General knowledge of social justice community issues and Canada’s justice and legal system.
• Experience in presenting legal information and interpretation to both legal and lay audiences, especially in providing written submissions both within the organization and to external authorities.
• Ability to function independently and under pressure and to support a variety of diverse and time-sensitive projects at the same time.

We offer (based on your employment status and affiliation):

VISIT OUR WEBSITE ATwww.legalaid.bc.ca

Legal Aid BC is recognized as one of BC’s Top 100 Employers:

https://reviews.canadastop100.com/top-employer-legal-aid-bc

We would like to thank all external applicants for their interest but regret that only those shortlisted will be contacted.