Legal Counsel

**Job Information**

Job Requisition ID: 63750
Ministry: Justice
Location: Calgary & Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: October 25, 2024
Classification: Courts Advisory Counsel
Depending on experience, the pay classification is either Civil Crown Counsel 2 (CCC2) (minimum 4 years directly related post bar call legal experience) or Civil Crown Counsel 3 (CCC3) (minimum 11 years directly related post bar call legal experience)

**Salary**: CCC2: $5,303.39 to $6,567.57 biweekly ($138,418 - $171,413 per year)
CCC3: $7,063.55 to $7,832.16 biweekly ($184,358 - $204,419 per year)

The Ministry of Alberta Justice helps ensure that all Albertans can live in safe and resilient communities while having access to a fair and innovative justice system. Working alongside its partners in law enforcement, family justice, health, the judiciary, criminal justice system and other stakeholders, the ministry has a direct or shared responsibility in all elements of the justice system in Alberta. Follow the link to see what else we have to offer:
The Alberta Court of Justice sits in 72 locations in the province. Through a variety of provincial and federal statutes, it exercises extensive jurisdiction in criminal, civil, family, and youth matters. Most of the residents of Alberta who have dealings with the judicial system find themselves in the Court of Justice. The Court of Justice is very conscious of the fact that it is from interaction with this Court that many people form their view of the administration of justice in Alberta.

The Alberta Court of Justice recognizes the importance of working collaboratively with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, having a working knowledge around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action as well as understanding the importance of child and family involvement, connection, and collaboration with a large array of other cultures and communities.

**Role Responsibilities**:
Court of Justice Legal Counsel provide professional legal services to the judiciary in accordance with relevant legislation, regulation, legal procedure and precedent. This is accomplished by providing legal research, analysis, and recommendations relating to matters before the Court of Justice. Advisory and consultative services as in-house counsel are provided to justices of all divisions of the Court of Justice. Legal Counsel also advise the Court of changes in the law, keep apprised of legal developments, update internal legal resources, and assist with the mentorship of articling students. Accountability for results in the Court lie with the judiciary, therefore the core purpose of this role is more oriented to expertise, problem solving, and support.

This position reports to the Executive Legal Counsel of the Court of Justice but will regularly work directly with members of the judiciary. This position has no direct reports and does not manage a budget.

The position has the following key responsibilities:

- Provide professional legal services to the judiciary in accordance with relevant legislation, regulation, legal procedure and precedent.
- Assist in supporting the Court’s student programs.
- Develop and maintain institutional knowledge and information.
- Assist with Court’s committees and special projects as assigned.

Legal Counsel must also possess excellent research, analytical and organizational skills; a deep understanding of the legal foundations of the Court; significant substantive knowledge in at least one specialized area of the law relevant to the various divisions of the Court (civil, family and criminal). Legal Counsel will conduct interpretive and analytical research of complex fact patterns and multiple areas of the law. Legal Counsel also play a significant role in the mentorship of law students.

Superior decision making and communication skills (both verbal and written) are required, along with recent and relevant experience with Canadian and foreign legal research tools, including online sources.

**Qualifications**:
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Degree supplemented with the following:

- The pay classification of Civil Crown Counsel 2 (CCC2) requires a minimum of four (4) years directly related post bar legal experience.
- The pay classification of Civil Crown Counsel 3 (CCC3) requires a minimum of eleven (11) years directly related post bar legal experience.
- Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta or eligibility for membership is required.

Related legal experience includes extensive experience with Canadian legal research tools, well-developed research and analytical skills, and exceptional legal writing skills. It also includes prior court or tribunal experience.

Law journal and other legal writing experience would be beneficial and would be considered an asset. Experience working with students is also considered an asse