Articling Student

THIS JOB COMPETITION IS CLOSED

Competition Number: LAA-21-69

Job Type: Full Time, Temporary

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Posting: External

Competition Ends: January 14, 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

Working at Legal Aid Alberta means you care about people and empathize with their situation. You have excellent communication skills especially in challenging situations. You are eager to learn and wish to grow as a lawyer in areas of law that Legal Aid Alberta offers services in. Fast-paced work environment where you have to think on your feet and multi task. You love learning new things, solving problems, and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our clients, team and our organization.

Job Description

Reporting to the Principal Lawyer, some of the key responsibilities include:

  • 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 and Skills:

  • 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
  • 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

What We Offer

Perks of working with us

  • Competitive wage
  • RRSP employer contribution
  • Alberta Law Society Fees, PREP (CPLED), & CBA membership is covered
  • Health and dental benefits
  • Health and wellness accounts
  • Employee assistance program
  • Team environment
  • Vacation time

How To Apply

Please send us your  Application Package (cover letter, resume, and most recent transcripts) in PDF format to [email protected]. Reference competition number [LAA-21-69]. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Requirements

  • Legal Aid Alberta has implemented a COVID 19-Vaccination Policy, requiring employees provide proof of vaccination, OR negative results of a privately administered, Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR, or lab-based PCR test performed within the preceding 48 hours of attending the office or workplace. This policy will be reviewed monthly and revised or repealed as the COVID-19 situation in Alberta changes.
  • Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.

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