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 are an expert in the area of criminal law and are ready to lead a team of lawyers to provide exceptional legal services to vulnerable Albertans. You care about people and empathize with their situations. You have excellent people skills especially in tough situations. You know how to support and motivate others. You have experience in the work environment coaching, mentoring and performance managing a team. You are a strategic thinker, able to provide sound advice and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You have strong 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 solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.
Job Description
Reporting to the Managing Director, Legal Services South some of the key responsibilities include:
Leading a team comprised of junior and experienced criminal lawyers to provide exceptional legal services to vulnerable Albertans.
Providing mentorship, coaching, information sessions and provide legal practice advice to your team.
Duty Counsel representation of assigned dockets to support team members or as and when required.
Providing day to day management support to LAA and your team members.
Participating in and supporting your team in innovative specialty courts within the Justice System such as Drug Treatment Court and Calgary Indigenous Court.
Helping build a stronger LAA by engaging with Legal Services Leaders across the Organization with strategic planning, staff development, and day-to-day management activities.
Enhancing access to justice for vulnerable Albertans across the Province by participating in various external committees and engaging with justice system stakeholders.
Supporting vulnerable clients by performance development of direct reports in consultation with other Legal Service Managers, Office Manager and Human Resources (HR).
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Law degree from a recognized law school.
Active member of the Law Society of Alberta.
A minimum of 8 years of criminal law experience.
Previous coaching, mentorship and/or leadership experience will be considered an asset.
Knowledge and Skills:
Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent analytical, logic, problem-solving, and organization skills, as well as sound business judgement.
Courses on leadership, training or coaching will be considered an asset.
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.
Strong understanding of:
Criminal Code including bail and sentencing.
Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Protection Against Family Violence Act.
Excellent knowledge of Rules of Courts within Alberta and applicable legislation within the respective area of practice expertise.
What We Offer
Perks of working with us
8% 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
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Reference competition number LAA-21-03. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requirements
Legal Aid Alberta has implemented a COVID 19-Vaccination Policy, requiring employees provide proof of vaccination, OR negative results of a privately administered, Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR, or lab-based PCR test performed within the preceding 48 hours of attending the office or workplace. This policy will be reviewed monthly and revised or repealed as the COVID-19 situation in Alberta changes.
Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.
