Job Description

Competition Number: LAA-22- 54
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Location: High Level Posting: External Competition Ends: September 11, 2022

Who We Are

As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Legal Aid Alberta provides affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defense. We are Alberta-wide, with 300 staff and 1,200 private practice lawyers helping people overcome their legal challenges in more than 75 communities across the province.

Who You Are

This is a unique opportunity working from High Level, AB to support the surrounding northern communities. You will work as Duty Counsel in the High-Level court and circuit points, as well as carry files from these jurisdictions. Working with the northern communities, means you are resilient and self-reliant. You have excellent communication skills and enjoy relationship building in the communities you serve. You will be well supported by the amazing team of Legal Aid Alberta lawyers. You are looking to grow expertise in criminal and/or child welfare and are able to advise clients of their rights and legal obligations in that area. You are a quick thinker, able to provide sound advice and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You understand that this position requires that you work independently and that you respect the duties and responsibilities the position brings. You have strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You are computer-savvy, detail oriented and organized. You enjoy fast-paced work environments, and you are always up for a challenge. You care deeply about the success of our team and have a solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.

Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:

• Conduct of assigned files to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and policies and procedures of LAA.
• Duty Counsel representation to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the policies and procedures of LAA.
• Litigation at various court levels, including appeals.
• Attend stakeholder meetings as required and directed by Manager.
• Complete and accurate statistical, time entry and record keeping.
• Compliance with LAA policy and procedures.
• Participate in performance and staff meetings as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Minimum experience of 1 year in either criminal and/or Child welfare.
• Law degree from a recognized law school.
• Active member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta (or eligibility, if out of province).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Youth Criminal Justice Act.
• Criminal Code and sentencing.
• Rules of Court, and court proceedings.
• Excellent understanding of police and arrest procedures.
• Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiation skills, an asset.
• Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act
• Legal research, writing and drafting, legal analysis, preparation of court documents, and application of law to relevant facts.
• Ability to manage work in high pressure and high conflict situations.
• Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk and advise clients and/or LAA on the appropriate course of action.
• Ability to build rapport and negotiate effectively with Crown Counsel and opposing counsel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work with clients who have complex needs either through frequent requests for alternate representation, physical or mental disability, substance abuse, or living situations that impair their ability to resolve legal matters.

What We Offer

Perks of working with us

• Competitive wage
• RRSP with 8% employer contribution
• Health and dental benefits
• Health and wellness accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Weekends off
• Winter/Christmas closure (paid time off)

How To Apply

Click Apply Now. You can also send your resume and cover letter to careers@legalaid.ab.ca. Reference competition number [LAA-22-54]. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

• The successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check with a vulnerability sector check as they are expected to interact with diverse and high needs clients.
• Travel is required.