Job Description
The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 50,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.
Position Title: Legal Counsel
Excluded Full-Time
Posting Period: March 23 to April 5, 2026
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Salary Range: $165,000 to $230,000 (not inclusive of OT and salary differential)
The Legal Counsel provides strategic legal leadership and risk management oversight to the organization. This role ensures legal compliance, protects organizational interests, supports executive decision-making, and provides pragmatic legal advice to leadership. The Legal Counsel acts as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership, balancing legal risk with operational realities.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES
Strategic Legal Leadership
• Serve as principal legal advisor to the CEO and executive leadership.
• Provide legal analysis to inform strategic initiatives, partnerships, governance decisions, and operational changes.
• Anticipate legal risks and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.
• Oversee development of legal frameworks that support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Develop and deliver in-house labour relations and legal training programs to support team capacity building and enhance knowledge in grievance handling, mediation, and arbitration.
Governance and Board Support
• Advise the CEO and Council on governance for best practices and fiduciary obligations.
• Ensure organizational compliance with applicable legislation, bylaws, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support preparation and review of Council materials with legal implications.
Legal Advisor & Counsel
• Provide timely and practical legal advice to Directors of member servicing departments.
• Interpret and apply relevant statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Manage sensitive and confidential legal matters.
• Create a litigation strategy and oversee external legal counsel inclusive of cost.
• Act as an organizational representative in legal proceedings where appropriate.
Risk Management & Compliance
• Lead enterprise risk assessment from a legal perspective.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies and statutory requirements.
• Oversee responses to regulatory inquiries, complaints, or litigation.
Policy Development
• Review of policies to ensure legal compliance.
• Provide training to leadership and staff on legal obligations and risk mitigation.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Requirements
• Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB from an accredited institution.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
• Licensed to practice law in the province of British Columbia.
Experience and Knowledge
• 12 to 15+ years of progressive legal experience.
• 5 to 7+ years of advocacy experience working for a union or other social justice organization.
• Extensive knowledge of labour law, employment law, human rights and healthcare sector issues.
• Proven success working directly with Boards or executive committees.
• Experience building legal functions or modernizing governance frameworks.
Key Competencies
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Maintains strong confidentiality and high ethical standards.
• Negotiation and Influence: Strong negotiation capability in contracts, settlements and stakeholder disputes.
• Resilience and Composure: Performs effectively under pressure in high-risk or high-profile matters.
• DEI: Demonstrate and leads a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion and commitment to advancing reconciliation, cultural safety and redressing the harms of Indigenous-specific racism.
• Communication Excellence: Translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice. Exceptional written drafting and verbal advisory skills.
• Sound Judgment: Strong risk assessment skills; balances legal prudence with business practicality.
Other Requirements
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics.
• Occasional travel is required for this position.
Why work at BCNU?
BCNU speaks up and speaks out for safe, quality, public health care. We pride ourselves in providing protection, representation, and services to all members and in supporting our employees. Our organizational values are rooted in respect, integrity, and collaboration, guiding us in building a workplace culture where everyone feels they can bring their authentic selves to work. We recognize and prioritize cultural and psychological health and safety. As part of our dedication to equity and justice, we honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and are actively engaged in advancing Indigenous-focused initiatives.
We offer an inclusive workplace with a comprehensive range of benefits and resources to promote well-being, career growth and work-life balance. This includes but is not limited to:
• Competitive compensation and extended health and dental benefits package
• Municipal Pension Plan
• 4 weeks vacation entitlement to start
• Hybrid work environment
• Education and professional development opportunities
If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we’d like to hear from you!
Please also reach out to us at talentacquisition@bcnu.org to let us know of any accommodations you require through our application and selection process.
