Employment Opportunity: Paralegal with YWCA Legal Education Program  

Come as you are. Make a real impact.

At YWCA BC, we’ve been making a difference in the lives of women, families, youth and job seekers across the region for over 125 years – and we’re just getting started. We are a dynamic, forward-thinking organization offering affordable housing, early learning and childcare, employment and training services, mentorship, violence prevention, legal services and so much more. We also advocate for systemic change by educating the public and influencing policy.

Diversity is our strength. As an equity-seeking organization, the YWCA values its diverse workplace and is committed to fostering a community of inclusion and belonging. Our values – intention, courage, community and empowerment – guide everything we do and shape the kind of workplace we are proud to offer. We welcome diverse voices and lived experiences, and we support flexible work arrangements to help you thrive personally and professionally.

About the role 

Status: Permanent Part-Time (28 hours/week)   
Location: East Vancouver  

The Paralegal is part of the YWCA Legal Education Team and supports the program lawyers with case management and with the creation of educational and advocacy materials on family law issues related to intimate partner violence.

What you’ll be doing:    

• Client and File management – assisting the program lawyers in scheduling and managing caseload and communicating with clients, opposing parties and other parties;
• Legal Writing and Drafting – assist the program lawyers by drafting legal documents and writing correspondence;
• Research – conducting legal research and drafting memos for the program lawyers;
• Court and Trial Preparation – preparing trial binders, documents, authorities, and preparation of clients and witnesses for court appearances;
• Creation of Education and Advocacy Materials – work with the program lawyers to create and deliver workshops on issues related to family law, intimate partner violence and child apprehensions; and
• Other duties as assigned.

What you’ll need:    

• Minimum educational requirement: A paralegal diploma.  Previous experience in a similar role and/or lived experience would be an asset;
• Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills;
• Good time management skills and attention to detail;
• A feminist and intersectional understanding of intimate partner and family violence;
• An interest in a trauma informed approach to the practice of law;
• Motivated to work independently and as part of a team;
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Zoom;
• Experience using Clio and Divorcemate an asset;
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and the preparation of legal forms
• Willingness to use Safetyline, Relias, ADP Workforce Now;
• Must be able to work at the program’s physical office location and deliver in-person services as required; and
• A clear Criminal Record Check working with vulnerable populations will be required.

What we offer:     

• Extended medical and dental benefits
• A defined benefit pension plan (MPP)
• Pregnancy, parental and adoption leave top up
• 15 vacation days and 3 personal days
• Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members
• Flexible working arrangements for applicable positions
• A workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and well-being, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our employee mentorship program and three equity committees that help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion
• Free staff membership to our Health + Fitness Centre
• Discounts at our Hotel Willo
• Priority in YWCA Child Care centres

Pay Rate: $31.94 per hour

How to Apply:  

If you’re seeking a workplace where your values align with your work, and where every voice drives meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Zain Abdulla and Katherine Bounds, YWCA BC Staff Lawyers 
Email: legaled@ywcabc.org 

We’re committed to increasing representation and equity across our organization. We strongly encourage applications from women, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities and others from marginalized communities. We’re also focused on creating leadership opportunities for Indigenous, Black, and gender-diverse individuals. If you’d like to learn more about our inclusive culture before applying, feel free to contact our Equity and Engagement Manager at people@ywcabc.org.

Accessibility is a priority for us. If you need any accommodations to apply or have questions about the process, please reach out to the hiring manager listed. We make hiring decisions based on qualifications, transferable skills, lived experience and organizational needs. Thank you to everyone who applies — only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Want to learn more about working at the YWCA? Explore our careers page.

We respectfully acknowledge that our main office and many of our programs are located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and that our work across British Columbia spans the territories of more than 200 First Nations. We also acknowledge the First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples who live in our communities.

YWCA BC is committed to truth and reconciliation. This includes understanding the truth and impact of our shared colonial history, making positive changes within our organization and taking actions that advance safety, justice and equity for Indigenous peoples.