Senior Litigator – SMS Law

SMS Law, a long-established Victoria municipal-law firm, is seeking a senior litigator at counsel or partner level following the judicial appointment of one of its senior lawyers. The successful candidate will step into an established practice and manage sophisticated litigation files from intake through multi-week trials without being expected to bring a portable book of business. The work spans liability defence, construction disputes, negligence and municipal matters including land use, injunctions, by-law prosecutions, judicial reviews and other administrative-law proceedings. The opportunity offers substantive files, institutional clients such as municipalities and regional districts, and a meaningful role in a specialized litigation practice serving clients throughout British Columbia.

SMS is seeking lawyers with at least ten years of relevant litigation experience. Strong fits include municipal litigators, commercial insurance-defence lawyers, construction litigators or other accomplished trial counsel with transferable experience. Candidates should be capable of independently running complex files through hearing or trial and bring the judgment and advocacy skills expected at senior counsel or partner level. The firm will consider candidates currently in Vancouver or elsewhere in British Columbia if they have a demonstrable intention to relocate to Victoria over time.

Role based in Victoria, British Columbia. Compensation is competitive and structured as a base salary plus a bonus tied to billings above target. This is an exclusive recruitment engagement with Smith Legal Search; applications and inquiries are directed to Dave Namkung.