Legal Aid Alberta is a Centre of Excellence that helps vulnerable Albertans across the province at some of the most difficult times in their lives. Through professional, effective and accessible services that support better outcomes for our clients, we make a difference in the lives of Albertans and deliver value that extends beyond those who receive our services.
Job Description
Reporting to the Principal Lawyer, some of the key responsibilities of the Articling Student are to:
Provide assistance to staff lawyers on client files along with management assigned client files to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the Rules of Legal Aid Alberta
Observe staff lawyers in their role as Duty Counsel, learn and perform the role as Duty Counsel to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the Rules of Legal Aid Alberta
Conduct legal research and legal writing as requested by staff lawyers
Negotiate competent resolutions of files to achieve early, cost effective and lasting outcomes for clients
Provide support to the General Counsel and Advisory Services Team throughout the articling year term as needed
Work on projects or initiatives as directed by General or Advisory Counsel
Successfully complete CPLED (PREP) requirements throughout the articling year
Participate in performance and staff meetings as required
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Law Degree from a recognized Law School
Approval from the Law Society of Alberta to be an articling student
Experience in Student Legal Services, Student Legal Assistance, Pro Bono Student Association or working as a volunteer at a Legal Clinic would be an asset
Limited litigation experience
Knowledge
Rules of Court and criminal, family, and immigration legislation
Legal research, writing and drafting, legal analysis, preparation of facts and written briefs, application of law to relevant facts
Advocacy, problem solving and conflict resolution
A high level of comfort working with technology and a keen enthusiasm for learning new systems including computer literacy of MS Office and web based legal research tools and other web-based resources
Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working with complex clients
Understanding of community resources available to complex clients
Skills
Proficient in areas of criminal and family law in which LAA provides services in
Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines
Ability to manage work in high pressure and high conflict situations
Negotiation skills
Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyse risk and advise clients on the appropriate course of action
How To Apply
If you got excited at the prospect of being a part of our team when you reviewed this posting and you meet the minimum qualifications, please forward your Application Package (cover letter, resume, and most recent transcripts) in PDF format to [email protected] referencing posting number LAA-21-15.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
