We are Legal Aid Alberta. We believe in an Alberta where everyone is able to understand and protect their legal rights. As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, we provide affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defense. We are Alberta-wide: Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Siksika Nation, and Wetaskiwin. We work together to serve Albertans, protecting their rights and ensuring a fair legal process.
Who You Are
Working at Legal Aid Alberta means you care about people and empathize with their situations. You have excellent communication skills, especially in tough situations. You are an expert in Family law, particularly with Emergency Protection Orders. You are also familiar with Child Welfare, the representation of children in high conflict family law matters and general Family Law matters. You are a quick thinker, able to provide sound advice, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You have effective 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 a solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.
Job Description
Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, some of the key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Carry end to end responsibilities of managing KB EPO review files from initial acceptance of the files to the conclusion the review process
Carry end to end responsibilities of managing EPO Viva Voce Hearing files
Manage and organize monthly EPO team meetings
Support other areas of the family law team
Review applications for legal service and draft merit opinions; provide legal opinions and summaries in relation to assessment for service eligibility.
Review and provide legal opinions on authorization requests under LAA Rules and Tariff.
Representation at administrative tribunals including the Immigration and Refugee Board, and at the Federal Court of Canada.
Able to manage high conflict situations
Negotiate competent resolutions of files to achieve early, cost effective and lasting outcomes for clients
Complete and accurate statistical record keeping
Compliance with office policy and procedures
Participate in performance and staff meetings as required
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Law degree from a recognized law school
Active member of the Law Society of Alberta
Minimum 2 years of experience in practice area of Immigration Law and 2 years experience in Emergency Protection Orders within Family Law.
Strong litigation experience
Knowledge and Skills:
Rules of Court, Protection Against Family Violence Act, Family Law Act, Family Property Act, Divorce Act, and Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act
Administrative review hearings, Immigration and Refugee Act.
Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiation skills
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
Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
Ability to manage work in high pressure and high conflict situations
Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk, and advise clients and/or LAA on the appropriate course of action
Understanding of community resources available to assist complex situations
What We Offer
Perks for working with us
Competitive wage
8% RRSP employer contribution
Health and dental benefits
Health and wellness accounts
Paid vacation time
Holiday closure (paid time off)
Professional days (paid time off)
Individual Professional development budget
Employee assistance program
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, select “Apply Now” to apply for this position. This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requirements
Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.
