Laa-25-15 - Duty Counsel Lawyer - Family (Temp)

Who We Are
As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Legal Aid Alberta provides affordable legal 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.
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 knowledgeable in many areas of family law and practice in the Court of King’s Bench, including but not limited to Divorce Act, Family Property Act, Family Law Act, Alberta Rules of Court, and other applicable legislations. You have a thorough understanding of the various legal processes of the Court of King’s Bench. You are familiar with Child Welfare legislation and processes. 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 as well as enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our team and have solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.
**Job Description**:
Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:

- Represent clients within 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.
- Represent clients in family law matters in the Court of King’s Bench, including but not limited to Divorce Act, Family Property Act, Family Law Act, Alberta Rules of Court and other applicable legislations.
- Represent clients in the Alberta Court of Justice for child welfare, family matters and Emergency Protection Order matters.
- High level competence with computer based programs is necessary
- Able to manage high conflict situations
- Complete and accurate statistical record keeping
- Compliance with office policy and procedures
- Participate in performance reviews and staff meetings as required

**Qualifications**:
**Education and Experience**:

- Law degree from a recognized law school.
- Active member of the Law Society of Alberta.
- Minimum 2 years of related experience in Family law matters in the Court of King’s Bench and Alberta Court of Justice, including but not limited to in the areas of Divorce Act, Family Property Act, Family Law Act, Protection Against Family Violence Act, Alberta Rules of Court and other applicable legislation.
- Strong litigation experience.
- Strong client management skills
- Training and/or experience in settlement of family files from an “interest-based” approach is an asset

**Knowledge and Skills**:

- Effective dispute resolution and negotiation skills
- Trial and pre-trial advocacy is an asset
- Problem solving and conflict resolution
- Ability to re-direct emotionally driven clients to a reasonable outcome
- Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to manage work in high pressure and high conflict situations
- Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk and advise clients on the appropriate course of action
- Understanding of community referral resources available to assist clients in complex situations.

What We Offer
**Perks of working with us**:

- 8% RRSP employer contribution
- Competitive wage
- Paid professional days
- Paid Vacation days
- Winter closure (paid time off)
- Work life balance
- Health and dental benefits
- Health and wellness accounts
- Employee assistance program

How to Apply