Come join our team! If you are looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, with an organization that values diversity, equity and a shared sense of purpose, look no further.
We are proud to say that we’ve been recognized as one of
BC’s Top Employers since 2022! The Law Society of BC offers work/life balance, a collegial atmosphere, and an excellent benefits package, including: extended health benefits, a dental plan and more.
The Law Society of BC is seeking a temporary, full-time Staff Lawyer in our Custodianships department on a 12-Month Term. The Staff Lawyer, Custodianships is responsible for efficiently managing the custodianships of lawyer’s practices throughout the province where the Law Society has been appointed custodian. The Staff Lawyer, Custodianships is also responsible for supervision of external counsel appointed as custodians.
The position requires the Staff Lawyer, Custodianships to perform all of the functions of a custodian. The nature of the work requires diplomacy in handling difficult matters arising from a Custodianship situation and experience and judgment in evaluating all aspects of a law practice in order to effectively manage or terminate the practice, consistent with the policies and procedures guiding the work. Operates with the general oversight of the Director, Custodianships.
The duties of the position include:
- Communicating with lawyers or their estates in various distressed circumstances to determine whether a custodianship is necessary.
- Preparing documents for the appointment of a custodian and appearing in British Columbia Supreme Court to obtain court order
- Acting as a custodian of lawyers’ practices on behalf of the Law Society, which includes:
- Attending at the law practice to take possession of the property of the practice
- Assessing the needs and priorities of clients of the law practice
- Attending at court and otherwise acting for clients of the practice to the extent necessary to preserve and protect the clients’ interests
- Taking responsibility for trust and general accounts, reconciling trust accounts, ensuring trust funds are properly distributed and, if appropriate, paying creditors from general funds in accordance with priorities
- Facilitating the orderly transfer of files and documents to clients and new counsel
- Retaining and instructing outside counsel acting as agent for the custodian
- Reporting any claims or potential claims to the Lawyers Insurance Fund and reporting any serious breaches of professional conduct to the Professional Conduct department
- Properly managing and/or terminating law practices subject to custodianship
- Making applications to court for directions and discharge
- Such other duties as the Director, Custodianships may require.
Qualifications:
- A member in good standing of the Law Society of BC or eligible for membership.
- A minimum of five years of practice experience and the ability to represent the Law Society in court applications.
- Some litigation and law firm management experience.
- Preferably experienced in solicitor’s work and/or family law and trust account management.
- Superior judgement and analytical skills coupled with excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are essential.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Proficiency with computer programs including Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint and document/knowledge management systems.
- Advanced legal research, writing and analytical skills.
The terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Law Society of BC and the Professional Employees Association apply to this position.
The salary range for this position is $138,405.92 to 167,715.88.
The Law Society of BC is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the future of our organization. In accordance with the Law Society of B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation, we seek to create a culturally safe space and to continue further improving relationships with Indigenous peoples.
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to personnel@lsbc.org with the subject
“Staff Lawyer, Custodianships”. The closing date for this competition is
May 19, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Law Society of BC supports hybrid work schedules. This position is located at the Law Society of British Columbia office in the Yaletown area of Vancouver, BC.
845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 4Z9
