Bail Duty Counsel Lawyer

THIS JOB COMPETITION IS CLOSED

Competition Number: LAA-21-48

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Edmonton or Calgary, AB

Posting: External

Competition Ends: October 22, 2021

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 tough situations. You are an expert of law and can advise clients of their rights and legal obligations and represent their interests in proceedings. You have strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our team and have solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.

Job Description

Reporting to the Team Lead, some of the key responsibilities include:

  • 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.
  • Negotiate release conditions and/or plea arrangements with Crown counsel for accused.
  • Negotiate with Crown and represent client at bail hearings.
  • Review and provide legal opinions and summaries in relation to service eligibility for summary offences.
  • Complete and accurate statistical record keeping.
  • Compliance with office policy and procedures.
  • Participate in performance and staff meetings as required.

The JP Bail Team provides assistance to our valuable clients for extended hours (8am – Midnight).  Combining work life balance this team follows a continual rotational shift schedule 365 days a year (6 working days on and then 3 days off). Details are as follows:

    • First 3 days: 8 am to 4 pm
    • Next 3 days: 4 pm to midnight
    • Then 3 days off

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Law degree from a recognized law school.
  • Active member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
  • Minimum 2 years criminal law experience

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Demonstrated understanding of the Law of Bail in Canada.
  • Alternative dispute resolution and negotiation skills.
  • Excellent understanding of court room procedures and processes.
  • Excellent understanding of police and arrest procedures.
  • Advocacy, problem solving, communication skills and conflict resolution.
  • A high level of comfort working with remote court appearances, technology and a keen enthusiasm for learning new systems including, computer literacy in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM), web-based legal research tools, and other web-based resources.
  • 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
  • Vacations and Lawyer days
  • Health and dental benefits
  • Health and wellness accounts
  • Employee assistance program
  • Work from home opportunities
  • Team environment

How To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Reference competition number [LAA-21-48]. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

  • Successful candidate will be required to provide security clearance
  • Only successful candidates will be contacted

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