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Family Circuit Counsel
Bella Bella (Klemtu)/Bella Coola Circuit Court
The Legal Services Society (LSS) is seeking applications from qualified lawyers for a contract to act as family duty counsel for the Bella Bella (Klemtu) Circuit Court and Bella Coola Circuit Court.
The circuit court visits Bella Bella four (4) times per year and Bella Coola four (4) times per year on alternating months. The contract is intended for a period of one year, commencing with the October 2010 circuit. Provided the contract is being performed satisfactorily, it is anticipated that it would be renewed on an annual basis. LSS shall have the right to terminate the contract in its discretion should problems in service be identified or if funding for the circuits is reduced or eliminated.
As Family Circuit Counsel, you are expected to provide the following services:
1. Family/CFCSA Duty Counsel Service
Provide representation as necessary in family and CFCSA matters to all financially eligible persons who have a legal problem which is within LSS’s family duty counsel coverage policy (see the Family Duty Counsel Policy and Procedure Manual and the LSS Tariffs) as updated from time to time.
2. Criminal Duty Counsel Service
As time permits after dealing with Family/CFCSA clients, assist the lead contract Criminal Circuit Counsel with criminal matters in accordance with Criminal Duty Counsel tariff (LSS Tariffs) as updated from time to time.
Circuit Counsel is expected to be reasonably available for contact with clients between circuits and to conduct significant preparation between circuits. Circuit Counsel is expected to maintain ongoing communication and contact with the court scheduling office in Vancouver between circuits and to represent clients for matters requiring court appearances in Vancouver.
Circuit Court dates are set annually by the presiding judges of the Provincial Court of British Columbia that sit on the Circuit Court bench. Each year there are two months in which the Circuit Court does not sit.
The next dates in 2010 for the Bella Bella Circuit Court are October 18 to October 22 (Klemtu October 20) with a Vancouver videoconference remand date of October 1.
The next dates in 2010 for the Bella Coola Circuit court are November 29 to December 3.
Interested applicants should be experienced in family law including representing parents in CFCSA matters. Although LSS is primarily seeking an experienced family law lawyer, some experience in criminal law is preferred as the demands of the criminal list on the Circuit Courts are high and the successful candidate may be called on to assist the Criminal Circuit Court Duty Counsel. A general understanding of criminal law would be a definite asset.
Proven experience working with Aboriginal communities is also an asset.
LSS is willing to consider a joint application from two lawyers to fulfill the terms of this contract.
Compensation
Fees and disbursements including travel expenses are set out in the LSS Tariffs. Remuneration for remand dates in Vancouver will be on an hourly rate (3 hours general preparation for the remand and the hourly rate for actual court attendance).
Aboriginal lawyers are encouraged to apply. (Refer to the Building Bridges Aboriginal recruitment poster.)
Closing date for applications: September 3, 2010
To apply, please send your resume and a letter outlining qualifications to LSS by fax at 604-601-6195, by e-mail, or by mail to:
Legal Services Society
Attn: Linda Thiessen,
Coordinator
Civil Law Services and Projects
400 – 510 Burrard Street
Vancouver BC V6C 3A8
For further information about these opportunities, please contact:
Linda Thiessen at 604-601-6239.