Legal Aid Alberta is looking for a full-time permanent Duty Counsel team member with the ability to travel and provide continuity of duty counsel services in rural court centres. We are hoping to find someone who is comfortable travelling up to 2 hours from their base location when required. This position will appeal to an individual that likes to take initiative, is client focused and is exceptionally strong in delivering high-quality legal service and client service results.
Who We Are: Access to Justice
As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Legal Aid Alberta provides affordable legal services and duty counsel 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. Our strategic priorities are providing quality counsel, access to services and accountability in our service delivery. We believe that access to justice is a fundamental right and upholding the Rule of Law is an essential role for Legal Aid Alberta.
Who You Are: A fierce advocate
You are an expert, or working on becoming an expert, in criminal law and can advise clients of their rights and legal obligations in a fast-paced court environment. You are a quick thinker, able to provide sound advice and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You have strong interpersonal skills, enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You have excellent communication skills, especially in tough situations. You care deeply about access to Justice and the Rule of Law and have a solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.
Job Description
Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:
Duty Counsel representation in adult and youth criminal courts to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the policies and procedures of LAA.
Travel to attend various rural circuit courts on provided schedule up to 2 hours away ($0.60 a kilometer with per diem meal rates).
Assisting LAA clients and self-represented individuals with accessing LAA services and applying for coverage through our online Client Gateway program.
Providing representation to clients through our Duty Counsel Triage Program to resolve their matters in docket stages, if appropriate.
Review and provide legal opinions and summaries in relation to service eligibility for summary offences through the Duty Counsel Triage Program.
Interviewing clients, determining their needs, and providing them with advice about their legal options.
Duty Counsel representation for Mental Health Review Panels, Institutional Hearings and other commissions and panels, as required.
Complete and accurate statistical record keeping in keeping with LAA’s strategic priority of accountability.
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 in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta or eligible for immediate membership.
Preferred 2 years’ experience in a majority criminal law practice but training and mentorship is available to hone skills.
Knowledge and Skills:
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively, especially with members of vulnerable populations.
Advocacy, problem solving, communication, negotiation skills and conflict resolution.
Ability to build rapport and negotiate effectively with Crown Counsel.
Ability to work with clients who have complex needs including physical or mental disability; substance abuse; or living situations that impede their ability to resolve legal matters.
Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to circuit court locations.
Thorough understanding of:
Rules of Court and court proceedings.
Criminal Code, including bail and sentencing provisions.
Indigenous legal principles and Gladue.
Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Protection Against Family Violence Act.
What We Offer
Perks of Working with Us:
Competitive wage for a non-profit organization
Consistent schedule and focus on work-life balance
3 weeks paid vacation, bonus and professional days as well as statutory holiday and Christmas closure (paid time off)
RRSP with 8% employer contribution
Standard health and dental benefits with expanded benefits for Psychology Health and Wellness as well as a Personal Spending Account and Employee assistance program
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 your candidate profile. This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Other Requirements
Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.
