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’re computer-savvy and more organized than anyone you know. Fast-paced work environments give you a rush and you’re always up for a challenge. You love learning new things, solving problems, and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our team and our organization.
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, analyze risk and advise clients on the appropriate course of action
What We Offer
Perks of working with us
Competitive wage
RRSP employer contribution
Paid holidays
Health and dental benefits
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 select ‘Apply Now’ to create a Candidate account. Please include your Application Package(cover letter, resume, and most recent transcripts).
This competition will remain open until May 31, 2022. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requirements
Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.
