The Legal Aid Services Board of Nunavut (LSB) has exciting opportunities for Criminal Defence Lawyers who are ready and willing to relocate to Nunavut. This job is suitable for resilient lawyers who can adapt, serve, and respect the Inuit culture and its primacy in the territory. Applicants should also be prepared to handle a high volume of files, frequently travel to remote communities for Court Circuits, and be comfortable living in the North.

Our work at LSB is guided by the following Inuit Societal Values (ISV) and guiding principles.

What we offer:

A competitive remuneration package with a northern allowance, housing allowance, and generous group benefits. More details will be shared with interested candidates.

The Key Accountabilities

The successful candidates will be given a complete job description; however, the key responsibilities of this job are summarized below.

• Represent clients through all stages of criminal proceedings.
• Courageous advocacy for our clients living embodiment of the Gladue factors.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including detention center staff, RCMP, Crown Prosecutors, community support resources, and Nunavut Court of Justice staff.
• Provide legal advice to clients in or out of custody.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about criminal law and practice.
• Timely file management and maintenance, per Legal Aid requirements (including computer technology, smartphones and required software).
• Data collection, including timely recording of services provided.
• Remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices amongst colleagues.

Required Skills

• Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence and relevant case law.
• Strong advocacy skills and interview techniques.
• Capacity to train and mentor junior lawyers.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills – the ability to work in a team setting, relate to other staff and manage through conflict.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Courtroom and trial experience.
• Sound judgment and ability to work in stressful situations.
• Knowledgeable using Microsoft 365 programs (Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and other computer-based programs such as SharePoint.

Relevant experience:

• A minimum of 2 years experience as a Criminal Defence Lawyer in good standing with any law society in Canada and also eligible to practice law in Nunavut.
• Senior Lawyers with experience above ten years will be considered under a separate remuneration plan.
• Trial experience, representing clients with complex legal issues, including representing clients for bail hearings and guilty pleas.
• Experience working with marginalized and vulnerable clients.
• Prior training, advocacy experience or demonstrated interest in mental health, Indigenous issues, addictions, homelessness, and youth issues.
• Demonstrated ability to use the latest communication technologies and social media.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice.
• Experience or understanding of life in the North, including a commitment to relocate to Nunavut.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must be members in good standing with the Law Society in their province and able to provide proof of authorization to practice law in Nunavut.

If this job matches your skills, experience, and qualifications, please send your resume to our recruitment team at the address below.