Prisoners’ Legal Services

ARTICLING STUDENT JOB POSTING

Two year term – May 2021 to April 2023

Burnaby, BC

About the organization

Prisoners’ Legal Services is a legal clinic serving federal and provincial prisoners in British Columbia. We assist prisoners with issues related to their liberty rights under s. 7 of the Charter, health care and human rights.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Providing general legal aid services to prisoners, including interviewing clients, managing client files, conducting legal research and writing submissions with a focus on liberty rights, human rights and health care;
  • Representing clients at institutional disciplinary and Parole Board of Canada hearings; and
  • Assisting legal counsel in the preparation of research and submissions in the areas of human rights and health care.

Skills and experience

Strong research and writing skills and an interest in oral advocacy are essential. Familiarity with administrative or human rights law is an asset. The successful candidate should have the ability and desire to work with prisoners in a respectful and non-judgemental manner. Interested students should have a car to travel to prisons in the Fraser Valley, public health permitting.

Salary and hours of work

The salary for this position is $50,000 for the first year as an articling student and $56,749 for the following year as an associate. The position is for 35 hours of work per week. Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC) and Law Society fees and insurance will be covered.

To apply

Applications should include a résumé, cover letter, writing sample and transcripts. The cover letter should be addressed to Jennifer Metcalfe, Executive Director, Prisoners’ Legal Services and should include an explanation of why you are interested in this position.

Submit applications via email to jmetcalfe[at]pls-bc.ca by Friday, April 9, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. 

We strongly encourage applications from members of communities that experience structural discrimination and marginalization.

This position is funded by the Law Foundation of BC.