The Organization

Founded in 2014, our client has grown rapidly to become one of the largest law firms in the North Okanagan with physical offices in Vernon and Lake Country, and additional remote lawyers and staff throughout BC. Practice areas include probate and other aspects of estate administration, wills and estate planning, estate litigation, serious personal injury law, family law, and commercial litigation coming soon.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Founder and Owner, the Senior Solicitor will be joining an existing wills and estates practice with one of the largest and fastest growing law firms in the Okanagan Valley. While focusing primarily in wills and estates, there are opportunities to broaden and expand into corporate and commercial along with real estate conveyance.

Based out of the head office in Vernon, the Senior Solicitor will have opportunities to grow their practice, work towards the partnership track if desired, and support a growing team through mentorship and community involvement.

This position is required to be on-site full-time in Vernon, BC.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review wills to ensure they are legally valid and accurately reflect clients’ wishes.
• Advise clients on estate planning strategies, including tax implications and asset distribution.
• Prepare and manage trusts, including testamentary trusts and inter vivos trusts.
• Assist executors with probate applications and the administration of estates.
• Advise on powers of attorney and representation agreements for incapacity planning.
• Help clients navigate complex family dynamics and potential conflicts in estate planning.
• Stay current with relevant laws and tax regulations to provide accurate advice.
• Assist with charitable giving strategies and setting up foundations as part of estate plans.
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as accountants and financial advisors, to create comprehensive estate plans.
• Mentor and coach junior lawyers and articling students.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience in a broad range of complex wills, estates, and trust matters, corporate and commercial with the ability to managing files independently from start to finish.
• A preference some someone with additional experience in real estate litigation.
• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.).
• Active membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.

Vernon, British Columbia

Surrounded by three beautiful lakes, rolling hills and scenic vistas, the community of Vernon is the largest city in the North Okanagan Valley with a growing population of 40,000 people. Known for promoting a work-life balance lifestyle with a four-season playground, locals take advantage of the world-renowned golf courses, Agri-tourism, hiking and biking trails, Silver Star Mountain Ski Resort, and Sparkling Hill Resort, an unforgettable 40,000 sq.ft state of the art wellness facility with 3.5 million Swarovski crystals.

With an increase in young families moving to Vernon, the area remains a great place to visit and stay long-term. The community is a short-drive to the international airport, offers more than 100 lakes within a one-hour drive, family-friendly festivals and attractions are featured throughout the year, including a 10-day winter carnival that’s been running more than 60 years.

A relocation assistance package can be provided as part of the total compensation package.