WORK WITH US

Who are we?

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is an independent, national human rights and fundamental freedoms organization. We have been fighting for these rights and freedoms since 1964. CCLA intervenes in Canadian courts, testifies before legislatures, advocates through all media, and engages in activism, education, and outreach across the country for privacy, dignity, equality, and fundamental freedoms for all people in Canada. We work to actively fight against injustice, such as racial profiling by police, privacy invasions by government, prolonged solitary confinement, abortion access restrictions, unfairness in the criminal system, and restrictions on freedom of expression. CCLA has developed a unique model of advocacy that supports five core activities: monitoring, litigation, research, public education, and civic engagement. Currently, CCLA’s work is organized around the following thematic areas: Fundamental Freedoms, Criminal Justice, Equality, Privacy, Technology and Surveillance, and Education.

Learn more about CCLA’s work at: www.ccla.org

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

CCLA is an equal opportunity organization and is committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. For this position we are specifically seeking applications from individuals who identify as transgender, gender diverse, non-binary.

We also strongly encourage applications from Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to apply. If you feel comfortable, please indicate in your application materials if you self-identify as a member of an equity-deserving group.

Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at CCLA. Please direct any accommodation requests in the recruitment process to hsivalingam@ccla.org.

What do we need?

We are seeking a talented, dynamic, reliable, well-organized, and self-motivated lawyer who identifies as transgender, gender diverse, or non-binary who has demonstrated interest in public interest law. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of civil liberties issues, and commitment to the advancement of human rights and fundamental freedoms through litigation, law reform and public legal education and engagement. Personal or professional experience working with non-governmental organizations is an asset.

What skills you will bring:

• Strong legal research and writing skills, statutory analysis skills and computer literacy are essential
• Knowledge of legal research materials, including legal web resources, and the ability to locate updated statutes and regulations is essential
• Lived experiences and knowledge of issues that affect trans, gender diverse and non- binary communities
• Strong time management, organizational and analytical skills are essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated and able to work well with others
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks is essential
• Ability to communicate and write professionally in French is considered an asset

What you will do:

Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Equality:

• Be responsible for identifying and monitoring significant issues and developments, with respect to trans legal rights and advocacy in Canada
• Develop and implement CCLA’s trans rights legal advocacy strategy including: recommend, execute, or co-ordinate a strategy that may include litigation (public interest test cases, interventions, etc.); legislative advocacy, written and oral submissions to public agencies; public engagement; coalition work; research and reports; communications; or otherwise
• In collaboration with the Director of Equality coordinate aspects of litigation of CCLA’s trans legal advocacy including working with external pro bono counsel
• In collaboration with the Director of Equality provide and/or coordinate legal and policy research, oral and written submissions before administrative, executive and legislative bodies
• Provide and/or coordinate oral and written communications in relation to the above, in collaboration with the Communications and Advancement teams, including web and social media posts, media releases, media appearances, op-eds, public statements
• Coordinate and liaison with the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations in global trans rights advocacy
• Develop and maintain your own expertise and networks in order to keep current on relevant legal, policy and advocacy issues, including coordinating with similarly aligned national and local advocacy organizations
• Assist with fundraising and public educational work
• Supervise summer law students and volunteers
• Manage and execute discrete administrative projects or tasks or roles as required

Compensation and Benefits:

$85,000 salary for a full-time 12-month contract, plus enrolment in group benefits plan, which include health and dental benefits, and reimbursement of LSO professional fees.

Location:

This position is based out of our office in midtown Toronto, on the traditional territories of many Indigenous nations, including the current treaty holders the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat Nations.

CCLA is currently operating in a hybrid work environment, the successful candidate will be expected to be working three days a week in the office, with reasonable accommodations provided as necessary. Flexible working hours are also available.

How to Apply:

Please address your application to Harini Sivalingam, and send cover letter, detailed resume, and any references as one attachment to hsivalingam@ccla.org.

Please send your application by Oct 18th, 2024 at 5pm EDT and refer to “Trans Legal Fellowship” in the subject line. Applications will be considered until this position is filled.

Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact hsivalingam@ccla.org.