Legal Aid Alberta is a Centre of Excellence that helps vulnerable Albertans across the province at some of the most difficult times in their lives. Through professional, effective and accessible services that support better outcomes for our clients, we make a difference in the lives of Albertans and deliver value that extends beyond those who receive our services.
Job Description
Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a full time lawyer in our Medicine Hat office. This position will appeal to an individual that likes to take initiative, is client focused and is exceptionally strong in delivering high-quality results.
Job Description
Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, some of the key responsibilities of the Lawyer are to:
Comply with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the Rules and policies of Legal Aid Alberta (LAA).
Duty Counsel conduct to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the Rules of LAA.
Negotiate release conditions and/or resolution with Crown counsel for persons in custody.
Negotiate competent resolutions of files in docket court 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.
3-6 years of experience in criminal law practice.
Experience in family and/or youth law practice is considered an asset.
Knowledge
Rules of Court and criminal, family and youth law legislation.
Excellent understanding of court and tribunal processes, with working knowledge of regional variances.
Excellent understanding of police and arrest procedures, with working knowledge of regional variances.
Excellent understanding of bail hearing procedures.
Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiation skills.
Legal research, writing and drafting, legal analysis, preparation of court documents, 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.
Skills
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.
Ability to build rapport and negotiate effectively with Crown Counsel.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively when working with complex clients.
Understanding of community resources available to complex clients.
How To Apply
If you got excited at the prospect of being a part of our team and you meet the minimum qualifications, please forward your resume to [email protected] referencing posting number LAA-20-46. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
