Summary
Description
A great opportunity to take the next step in your career
The Prosecution Support Unit (PSU) provides litigation support to Crown Counsel on constitutional questions, as well as novel or complex legal issues. The form of assistance will vary. It can include initial consultation; researching and preparing a written argument for use by Crown in responding to the application; co-counselling; or even having lawyers within the PSU take conduct of the application. The objective is to achieve a mutually acceptable arrangement that best facilitates an effective response to the challenge. Additionally, PSU provides advice and litigation support on all aspects of firearms charges and prosecutions and bilingual prosecutions.
The PSU is a part of Criminal Appeals and Special Prosecutions (CASP). CASP is responsible for the following areas of practice:
1. All indictable criminal appeals undertaken to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Supreme Court of Canada, [Criminal Appeals Section];
2. Prosecutions involving commercial crime, allegations against police and regulatory offences including environmental and workplace injury and fatality related prosecutions [Commercial, Police, & Regulatory Prosecution Section];
3. Organized and major crime prosecutions;
4. Providing prosecutorial litigation support to other prosecution offices within the BCPS in respect of constitutional challenges that arise in the trial courts [Prosecution Support Unit];
5. The delivery of legal resources and learning and development opportunities for the BCPS.
6. CASP is also responsible for coordinating French and bilingual prosecutions.
CASP’s management recognizes its responsibility to offer diversity in practice and is committed to facilitating the achievement of an enriched working environment. Upon their request and at the discretion of CASP management, the successful candidates may be given opportunities to conduct cases, either as counsel or co-counsel, in all sections of the office, when the operational requirements of CASP allow for it. Efforts will be made by the management group to facilitate access by all counsel to the full range of work available in the office. Assignment to individual cases is dependent on counsel’s level of skill and experience.
From time to time, the successful candidates will also, at the discretion of CASP management be required to conduct cases or provide litigation support with respect to matters falling outside of their assigned section but within the global mandate of the office. Assignments outside the successful candidate’s principal area of responsibility will be made in consultation with the candidate.
CASP is a division of the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS). The BCPS helps protect society by independently, effectively, and fairly conducting prosecutions and appeals at all levels of court. For more information about the BC Prosecution Service, please visit our website.
Compensation:
• Crown Counsel 2 – $163,797.23 – $212,423.25 annually
• Crown Counsel 3 – $218,738.43 – $251,188.04 annually
• 20 days of annual vacation to start, increasing over time to 35 days, plus 8 additional earned days off and 2 supplemental leave days
• An annual conference and a full spectrum of professional development and learning opportunities
• An attractive public service pension and benefits package.
Job Requirements:
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia, or immediate eligibility for call to the British Columbia Bar.
• Crown Counsel Level 2: Counsel in their 6th to 11th year of call, with a minimum of 3 years of recent criminal law (trial or appellate) experience as a called and practicing lawyer in Canada.
• Crown Counsel Level 3: Counsel in their 12th year of call or greater, with a minimum of 3 years of recent criminal law (trial or appellate) experience as a called and practicing lawyer in Canada.
Preference may be given to lawyers with one (1) or more of the following:
• Constitutional litigation experience (trial and/or appellate).
• Recent experience in conducting criminal trials involving complex legal/admissibility issues.
• Recent experience in legal research, writing and/or education.
• Eight or more years of experience.
• Recent (within the last 3 years) criminal appellate litigation experience.
• Experience appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada.
• Criminal prosecution experience.
• Experience arguing complex issues including novel Charter issues.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Daphne.Kvenich@gov.bc.ca.
About this Position:
Currently there is one (1) permanent position available in Vancouver or Victoria.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work from home a few days a week subject to an approved telework agreement.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
Working for the BC Public Service:
The BCPS is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. We welcome and encourage applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, and others who may contribute to diversity in the BC Public Service. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive, and rewarding workplace.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452.
How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above.
Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
Resume: YES – Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.
Questionnaire: YES – You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application page of MyHR. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Additional Information:
A Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) and Enhanced Security Screening will be required.
Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting.
Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the closing date of the competition.
