LAA-26-31-Duty Counsel Lawyer - Edmonton

LAA-26-31-Duty Counsel Lawyer - Edmonton

Official Job Description

Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a full‑time Duty Counsel Lawyer in our Edmonton office. This position will appeal to an individual that likes to take initiative, is client focused, and is exceptionally strong in delivering high‑quality results.

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’re computer‑savvy and more organized than anyone you know. Fast‑paced work environments give you a rush and you’re always up for a challenge. You love learning new things, solving problems, and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our team and our organization.

Job Description

Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:

• Duty Counsel representation in adult and youth criminal courts 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.
• Interviewing clients, determining their needs, and providing them advice about their legal options.
• Negotiate release conditions and/or plea arrangements with Crown counsel for clients.
• Review and provide legal opinions and summaries in relation to service eligibility for summary offences.
• Complete and accurate statistical record keeping.
• Compliance with office policy and procedures.
• Participate in performance and staff meetings as required.
• Assessment services in youth and adult criminal law.
• Travel to attend various circuit courts as needed by operational requirements and assigned by Legal Services Manager (compensation for travel provided).

Education and Experience

• Law degree from a recognized law school.
• Active member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta or eligible for immediate membership.
• 5 years’ experience in adult and youth criminal law practice.

Knowledge and Skills

• Rules of Court and court proceedings.
• Thorough understanding of:
  • Criminal Code, including bail and sentencing provisions.
  • Youth Criminal Justice Act.
  • Protection Against Family Violence Act.
• 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, negotiation skills and conflict resolution.
• 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.

Annual Salary Range: $93,000 - $160,000

What We Offer: Perks of working with us

• Competitive wage
• Health and dental benefits
• Health and wellness accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Hybrid work opportunities

Requirements

Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check and social media screening.