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 Managing Director, Legal Services South some of the key responsibilities include:
In collaboration with our business units, leading a large team comprised of junior and experienced family law lawyers (including EPOs) and support staff to provide exceptional legal services to vulnerable Albertans.
Supporting vulnerable clients by performance development and management of direct reports in consultation with other Legal Service Managers, Office Managers, and Human Resources (HR).
Provide legal advice and representation in family law matters to support team members as and when required.
Managing day-to-day administration of a law office, including practice management issues and support.
Providing mentorship, coaching, information sessions, and provide legal practice advice to your team.
Support Justice Services, and Legal Services Leaders with strategic planning, staff development, and day-to-day management activities with an organizational approach to problem-solving.
Attendance and performance management for direct reports in consultation with other Legal Service Managers, Office Managers, and Human Resources (HR).
Be the first line of contact for complaints and issues in relation to:
Law Society of Alberta.
Alberta Lawyers Insurance Association.
Interoffice conflict and client complaints.
Participate in Legal Service Manager and other office/leadership meetings and lead team meetings of direct reports.
Participate in recruitment activities in consultation with HR.
Provide accurate information when requested for Board and other reporting, strategic planning activities, and operational planning activities.
Participate in various committees and stakeholder meetings as applicable to enhance access to justice for our clients and to improve Alberta’s overall justice system.
Occasional travel as required.
Responsible for other duties and/or project work as assigned by the Managing Director.
Conduct work to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the Rules of LAA.
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 of the Law Society of Alberta.
A minimum of 5 years of family law litigation experience.
A minimum of 3-5 years of leadership experience will be considered an asset.
Previous coaching, mentorship, and/or leadership experience is required.
A business degree or MBA is an asset.
Knowledge and Skills:
Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent analytical, logical, problem-solving, and organization skills, as well as sound business judgment.
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.
Strong people management skills.
Excellent knowledge of the Divorce Act, Family Law Act, Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, Protection Against Family Violence Act, related legislation, and applicable case law.
Excellent knowledge of Rules of Courts within Alberta.
Experience working with vulnerable populations and familiarity with trauma-informed principles and practice, an asset.
A high level of comfort working with technology and a keen enthusiasm for learning new systems including computer literacy in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM), and web-based applications.
Ability to engage reports and manage reporting team.
Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to remain calm in crisis and high-pressure circumstances.
Ability to provide input, advice, and leadership on organizational change.
What We Offer
Perks of working with us
RRSP employer contribution
Competitive wage
Paid professional days
Paid Vacation days
Winter closure (paid time off)
Work-life balance
Health and dental benefits
Health and wellness accounts
Employee assistance program
How To Apply
Click on Apply Now if you are interested in this opportunity. Reference competition number LAA-22-13. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
