Laa-25-20 - Lawyer - Criminal Trial (Calgary)

Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a full-time permanent Criminal Trial Group Lawyer who services the Calgary Court Centre, Calgary Regional Courts and the Indigenous Courts. This position will appeal to an individual who likes to take initiative, is client-focused and is exceptionally strong in delivering high-quality results. You will help drive the future of our organization and you play an important role in developing a talented and diverse Legal Aid Alberta team province-wide.
Who We Are
As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Legal Aid Alberta provides affordable legal services in youth and adult criminal defence, family law, domestic violence, child welfare, and immigration,. 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 care about people and empathize with their situation. You have excellent communication skills, especially in tough situations. You are experienced and competent in criminal law and can advise clients of their rights and legal obligations in that area. You are a quick thinker, able to provide sound advice and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You have strong communication and interpersonal skills, enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about client outcomes, the success of our team 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:

- Provide holistic legal services support to clients.
- Resolution and negotiation with the Crown on behalf of the client on criminal matters.
- Litigate at various court levels, including appeals (travel expected).
- Conduct assigned files 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.
- Complete and accurate record keeping (statistical and time tracking) and file management.
- 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, practicing member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in criminal defense with extensive experience conducting criminal trials. Recent criminal law practice with a particular focus on Indigenous experience and issues within the criminal justice system including familiarity with Gladue reports and Indigenous support services.

**Knowledge and Skills**:

- Rules of Court and court proceedings.
- Thorough understanding of:

- Criminal Code, including bail and sentencing provisions.
- Youth Criminal Justice Act.
- Controlled Drug and Substance Act
- Protection Against Family Violence Act.
- Criminal procedure in adult and youth court
- Ability to build rapport and negotiate effectively with Crown Counsel.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively, especially with members of vulnerable populations.
- Advocacy, problem solving, communication, and negotiation skills
- Well-developed conflict resolution skills
- A high level of comfort working with technology and a keen enthusiasm for learning new systems including; computer literacy in MS Office (Outlook, Word, SharePoint), Remote Courtroom Scheduling (RCS), web-based legal research tools, and other web-based resources.
- 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.

What We Offer
- Competitive wage
- RRSP with 8% employer contribution
- Health and dental benefits
- Health and wellness accounts
- Employee assistance program
- Winter/Christmas closure (paid time off)

How to Apply
Other Requirements