Job Description

The Department of Justice and Public Safey is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our
The purpose of legal aid is to help ensure that the justice system functions fairly and effectively for all participants. Criminal legal aid is provided to enable individuals who are charged or being investigated for a serious criminal offence to have access to the assistance of a lawyer if they are unable to obtain legal assistance through their own means. The role of the staff lawyer is to provide professional legal assistance to individuals on a case by case basis and to promote the objectives of the program. Civil legal aid is provided to promote similar objectives within the range of legal needs covered by the program.
Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Meet with individuals at the initial point of contact with legal aid, which may be by phone contact, office visit or by contact at the Court or Detention Center;
• Assess the individual's legal needs by talking to them and the police, if the person is in detention at that time. Gather case information (referred to as Crown disclosure) about the case. Analyze the Crown disclosure and discuss it with the client. Assess the client's capacity to process information and give instructions to counsel;
• In the initial stages of the criminal trial process this involves assessing the client's mental fitness to stand trial and their level of criminal responsibility at the time of the offence where mental disorder is indicated;
• Providing direct assistance to clients in civil legal aid matters (ie non-criminal) under the Mental Health Act, and Adult Protection and Guardianship legislation;
• The program known nationally as Brydges Duty Counsel provides immediate but temporary legal advice to persons who are being detained by police for investigation or criminal charges;
• Communication with staff respecting file classification, opening and closing status and results recording for statistical purposes; and
• Other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Law degree from a recognized university and a member in good standing of the Law Society of P.E.I.
• Extensive experience at the Bar in the practice of criminal law.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to Legal Aid clientele who often suffer with mental health, addictions, and substance abuse issues.
• Effective communication skills necessary to build strong relationships with individuals across a very wide range of socioeconomic levels.
• Ability to work both independently in a self-directed manner and as an effective member of a team.
• The successful applicant must provide a satisfactory criminal record check prior to beginning employment.

Other Qualifications:

• Additional specialized legal education and experience in criminal law will be considered an asset.

Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE. Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at . Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.
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