Lawyers

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Join an exceptional legal team

Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers help youth and adults involved in the criminal justice system, families going through separation and divorce, children who have been removed from their homes, and refugee claimants. They provide representation at bail hearings, provide free duty counsel services at provincial courts and the legal assistance people need to escape family violence.

Right now, more than 35,000 Albertans in 75 communities are receiving legal aid assistance and demand for help never stops. Chances to contribute are endless.

Legal aid lawyers are raising the bar

Legal Aid Alberta lawyers are widely respected in their fields. They win prestigious awards, lecture at universities, provide grassroots community education, and frequently argue in the highest courts. Legal aid lawyers are deeply knowledgeable in the law and determined to break down barriers to the justice system. 

Whether you have 20 years at the bar or are new to the field, there’s always room at LAA to expand your legal skills, insights, and impact. Here, you will be part of a collective of smart, decisive, innovative, and trustworthy legal professionals.

 

Practice with confidence

People who depend on legal aid face increasingly difficult life circumstances and our lawyers work extremely hard to support them. At LAA, we provide the recognition, support and tools lawyers need to take on complex clients and trials. Here, you will earn competitive salary and benefits, retirement savings options, and enjoy mental health resources, ample vacation, bonus days and more.

There’s comfort here in a legal career

The way society works has changed and so have we. Being happy with your career is not only about the work you’re doing – it’s also about how you’re doing it. At LAA, you’ll find flexible, supportive work environments – both in-office and remotely – so you can provide clients with the highest quality representation and achieve your personal goals.

Man wearing suit with glasses staring at laptop taking notes by hand on a piece of paper

Perks & Benefits

While LAA offers competitive salary rates, when you join our team, you’ll also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

Health and Dental Coverage

SunLife extended health and dental coverage, covered 80% by LAA.

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Options

A generous employer contribution and options to choose from mean you can set yourself up to retire on your terms.

Maternity, Parental and Adoption Leave

Growing your family is an important life step, if you choose it – LAA offers maternity, parental and adoption leave for parents.

Flexible Work Environment

Remote and hybrid work arrangements available, so you can have a healthy work-life balance.

Professional Days

Paid ‘Professional Days’ allow you to focus on growing your career outside of the workplace.

Professional Fees

All of your Law Society of Alberta, ALIA Insurance and other membership fees covered by LAA.

Life Insurance

SunLife life insurance, covered 80% by LAA.

Health and Personal Spending Accounts

Yearly spending accounts provided, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for things like gym memberships, extra medical or dental care, physiotherapy, massage and more.

Vacation and Holidays

Three weeks of paid vacation to start, along with all statutory holidays and a one-week Christmas break.

Health and Wellness Programs

Free health and wellness programs and resources to help you keep a healthy mind and body through HumanaCare.

Bonus Days

Paid 'Bonus Days’ off each calendar year to do whatever your heart desires!

Work with the best

Bjoern Wolkmann

Staff Lawyer, Criminal Trial Group (CTG)

“For any lawyer that loves the law and wants to litigate it on its own merits, not worrying about overhead or having to focus on making money for the firm, it’s a great place to practice criminal law.”

Carla Hopfner

Staff Lawyer, Family Law

“I feel like we’re making a difference. We’re really on the front lines, and we’re supported in that work—not only professionally, but personally as well.”

Be a part of the impact

Who you can be:

Assessment Team Lawyer

Help review incoming matters and certificates to determine the right fit of lawyer and number of hours needed for each case.

Bail Hearing Lawyer

Assist arrested and accused individuals by providing advice, guidance and representation during bail hearings.

Duty Counsel Lawyer

Provide FREE legal advice and guidance in all courthouses across Alberta, including Indigenous and therapeutic courts. As a duty counsel lawyer, you can also represent individuals in court.

Legal Management

Take on a more corporate role by providing mentorship, coaching, and operations oversight for your team of staff and/or lawyers as a Legal Assessment Team Manager or Legal Services Manager.

Certificate Lawyer

Provide legal services, advice, and representation to individuals to support fairness in the justice system in youth and adult criminal law, Protection Against Family Violence Act, child welfare, PChAD, family law and immigration law.

Advisory/General Counsel

Take on a role of advising on our roster management strategies and provide training for our staff and roster lawyers. A great opportunity to impart your knowledge and expertise to help LAA reach its strategic goals.

What can
you do?

Criminal Law (Youth and Adult)

Assist adults (18+) and youth (12-17) who have been charged with a crime. Currently, adult criminal matters account for approximately 80 per cent of LAA cases. Working with criminal law cases, you will provide access to justice for Albertans facing serious consequences of imprisonment, loss of livelihood or removal from Canada, while ensuring that clients’ legal and human rights are being respected.

Family Law

Guide and represent Albertans dealing with family and child welfare matters. You will assist clients with client protection, child welfare, representation of children, parental custody, access and parenting orders, and child and spousal support.  

Immigration Law

Help newcomers and non-citizens with legal actions such as refugee claims, judicial reviews of refugee claims, detention reviews and appeals, among other things. You’ll work directly with immigrants and refugees who have come to Canada in hopes of improving their lives, better providing for their families or seek refuge from violence and persecution.

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