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 situations. You have excellent communication skills, especially in tough situations. You are an expert in criminal law and can advise clients of their rights and legal obligations in that area. You are a quick thinker, able to provide sound advice and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You have strong communication and interpersonal skills, enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about our team’s success and a solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.
Job Description
Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:
Duty Counsel representation in adult and youth criminal courts 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.
Travel to attend various circuit courts on provided schedule (compensation for travel provided).
Interview clients, determine their needs, and provide them advice about their legal options.
Negotiate release conditions and/or plea arrangements with Crown counsel for clients
Review and provide legal opinions and summaries in relation to service eligibility for summary offences.
Assess and triage duty counsel clients
Remote appearances at courthouses throughout Alberta, as needed
Provide assessment services in youth and adult criminal law.
Assist Legal Aid lawyers/offices throughout the province in court and other work, as required
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.
An active member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta or eligible for immediate membership.
Experience in adult and youth criminal law practice.
Knowledge and Skills:
Rules of Court and court proceedings.
Thorough understanding of:
Criminal Code, including bail and sentencing provisions.
Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Protection Against Family Violence Act.
Ability to build rapport and negotiate effectively with Crown Counsel.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
Advocacy, problem-solving, communication, negotiation skills and conflict resolution.
A high level of comfort working with technology and a keen enthusiasm for learning new systems, including computer literacy in MS Office (Outlook, Word, SharePoint), Remote Courtroom Scheduling (RCS), web-based legal research tools, and other web-based resources.
Ability to work with clients with complex needs, including physical or mental disability; substance abuse; or living situations that impede their ability to resolve legal matters.
Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to circuit court locations.
What We Offer
Perks of working with us
Competitive wage
RRSP with 8% employer contribution
Health and dental benefits
Health and wellness accounts
Employee assistance program
Weekends off
Winter/Christmas closure (paid time off)
Northern living allowance available to the successful candidates in Hight Level and Grande Prairie
How To Apply
Click Apply Now. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requirements
Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.
