Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is seeking to fill two full-time positions for a Justice of the Peace (JP) Bail Duty Counsel Lawyer in our Calgary or Edmonton offices. This position will appeal to an individual who likes to take initiative, is client-focused, and is exceptionally strong at delivering high-quality results. The role requires the ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk, and advise clients and/or LAA on the appropriate course of action while adhering to strict timelines.
Who We Are
As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, LAA provides affordable legal services in youth and adult criminal defense, family law, 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 LAA means you care about people and can empathize with their situation. You have excellent communication skills - especially in tough or high-conflict situations. You can advise clients of their rights and legal obligations and vigorously represent their interests in proceedings. You have strong communication and interpersonal skills. You enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our team and have a solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.
Job Description
Reporting to the JP Bail Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:
- Duty Counsel representation to professional standards in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the policies and procedures of LAA
- Assist with preparation and represent accused persons at JP Bail hearings
- Negotiate with Crown counsel on behalf of accused persons
- Assist individuals on ‘Brydges’ calls to provide legal advice upon arrest and detention
- Complete and accurate statistical record-keeping
- Compliance with office policy and procedures
- Participate in performance and staff meetings as required
Education and Experience
- Law Degree from a recognized law school
- Active Practicing member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta
- Minimum 2 years criminal law experience
Knowledge and Skills
- Demonstrated working knowledge of current Canadian criminal law, with a focus on bail law
- Working knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Alternative dispute resolution and negotiation skills
- Excellent understanding of court procedures and processes
- Excellent understanding arrest and criminal procedure
- Well-developed advocacy, problem solving, communication, and conflict resolution skills
- A high level of comfort working with technology and integrated platforms and a keen enthusiasm for learning new IT systems
- Working fluency in MS Office (Outlook, Teams, Word), Webex, web-based legal research tools, and other web-based resources
- Willingness and aptitude to work with clients who have complex needs either through frequent requests for alternate representation, physical or mental disability, substance abuse, or living situations that impair their ability to resolve legal matters
- Familiarity with immigration law and Canadian Border Security Agency procedures including Immigration Enforcement, Removal Orders and CBSA powers an asset
- Familiarity with Mental Health Act detentions and Mental Health Review Panel procedures an asset
The JP Bail Team assists our valuable clients 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Encouraging and promoting work-life balance, this team follows a 9-day rotational shift schedule:
- Days 1-3: 8 am to 4 pm
- Days 4-6: 4 pm to midnight
- Days 7-9: days off
- Approximately every 9 weeks, Days 4-6 overnight Brydges: midnight to 8 am
What We Offer
- RRSP with 8% employer contribution
- Paid vacation time
- Professional days (paid time off)
- Health and dental benefits
- Health and wellness spending accounts
- Employee assistance program
How to
If you are interested in applying, select 'Apply Now’ to create your candidate profile. This position will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requirements
Successful candidate(s) will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check prior to their start date.