Staff Solicitor

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION
Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy – Based on Relevant Experience

Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are vulnerable and historically disadvantaged.

NSLAC's focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.
Staff Lawyers help thousands of clients every year and spend much of their time in court. They are committed to helping overcome historical barriers to access to justice. The Staff Lawyer provides advice and legal representation on a broad range of criminal and family related legal matters.

This position will provide services in Provincial and Supreme Court but may also carry some family law files and will require travel to other jurisdictions for criminal matters (Provincial, Supreme and Wellness Courts).

This role also shares responsibility for cells and non-cells duty counsel, daytime telephone duty counsel and summary advice for various legal issues.

The lawyer will give legal opinions, file legal documents, attend court proceedings, participate in mediation sessions and offer useful advice to clients.

The successful candidate may be expected to participate in community and other legal education in the areas of criminal and family and related procedures.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant criminal and family law.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including comfort speaking with diverse people.
• Must be skilled in negotiation, debate, and persuasion techniques.
• Compliance with NSLAC's policies and procedures.
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues.
• Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk, and advise clients.
• Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Word and Outlook or equivalents.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Degree.
• Practicing member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society (and/or any other provincial law society).

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.

We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.

If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

---