Job Description

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

STAFF LAWYER

TENANTS' SUMMARY ADVICE COUNSEL (TSAC)

Type of Employment: Four (4)-year Term Contract

Location: Social Justice Office - 100-7001 Mumford Road, Halifax

Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy - Based on Relevant Experience

Closing Date: February 27, 2025, at 4:30 pm

Who we are:

Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are vulnerable and historically disadvantaged. NSLAC's focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 24 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Staff Lawyers help thousands of clients every year and spend much of their time in court. They are committed to helping overcome historical barriers to access to justice. Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

Primary Functions:

Reporting to the Managing Lawyer, the Tenants' Summary Advice Counsel (TSAC) Staff Lawyer will provide tenants with summary legal advice to assist them with upcoming tenancy hearings and any other legal issues arising out of their tenancy enabling tenants seeking summary advice to face fewer administrative barriers, such as not having to meet financial eligibility qualifications resulting in increased access to justice. The Staff Lawyer will work closely with the lawyers and Social Justice Support Workers (SJSW) in the Social Justice and Sydney offices as well as existing staff allowing for more effective triaging of tenants who require and qualify for full-service representation.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:

This is a full-time Staff Lawyer position, with a 4-year term from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2029. This Pilot is a collaboration between the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission and the Nova Scotia Department of Justice.

Ability to work with clients who have complex needs, creatively problem solve and work independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.

Ability to build and manage relationships with other lawyers, outreach partners, Department of Community Services, Housing Authorities, and others.

Ability to present and advocate on social justice issues to outreach partners, members of the public, and government entities.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant areas in social justice.

Manage a high caseload.

Must be skilled in negotiation, debate, and persuasion techniques.

Compliance with NSLAC's policies and procedures.

Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health.

Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.

Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk, and advise clients.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to communicate in French and English is an asset.

Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones.

Must have a valid driver's license.

All other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Degree.

Practicing member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society (and/or any other provincial law society).

If you are talented, conscientious and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to NSLA-Careers@nslegalaid.ca .

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $82,830.09-$152,819.62 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-02-27