LAA-26-56- Criminal Litigator

Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a permanent full time Criminal Litigator in our Edmonton or Calgary 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.

Advocate for Justice. Change Lives. Strengthen Communities.

At Legal Aid Alberta, we believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances.

As a Criminal Litigator, you will be more than a lawyer. You will be a trusted advocate, a skilled courtroom professional, and a champion for individuals navigating the criminal justice system during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to build a sophisticated criminal law practice while making a meaningful difference in Alberta communities. Whether appearing at bail hearings, conducting trials, negotiating resolutions, or advising vulnerable clients, your work will have a direct impact on access to justice across the province.

If you are looking for a career that combines challenging litigation, professional growth, and genuine purpose while maintaining a genuine work-life balance, we invite you to join our team.

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

• A passionate advocate who thrives in the courtroom
• Committed to fairness, dignity, and access to justice
• Compassionate, client-centred, and culturally aware
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative team member who values mentorship and continuous learning
• Motivated by meaningful work and public service

Job Description

Reporting to the Legal Services Manager - Criminal Trial Group, some of the key responsibilities include:

• Represent clients charged with criminal offences at all stages of the court process
• Conduct bail hearings, pleas, sentencing hearings, trials, review matters, and appeals
• Develop and execute effective litigation strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances
• Provide practical, clear, and compassionate legal advice
• Advocate for clients before the Alberta Court of Justice, Court of King's Bench, and appellate courts as required
• Prepare legal arguments, applications, briefs, and supporting documentationNegotiate effectively with Crown prosecutors and justice system partners
• Build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds, including vulnerable and marginalized populations
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, support staff, community agencies, and justice stakeholders
• Maintain meticulous client files with attention to detail as it relates to time keeping, diarization and notation
• Contribute to a culture of mentorship, learning, and professional excellence
• Be prepared to travel on an ad hoc basis

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta, or eligibility for membership
• Experience practicing exclusively criminal law for 2 years
• Strong courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing abilities
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and commitment to ethical practice
• Ability to manage a busy and dynamic caseload
• Experience representing clients from diverse backgrounds

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
  • 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, Teams, SharePoint), Alberta Court Criminal Scheduling Request Service (CSRS), web-based legal research tools, and other web-based resources
• The 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: $105,000 - $183,000

What We Offer: Perks of working with us

• Genuine work/life balance
• RRSP with 8% employer contribution
• Health anddentalbenefits
• Health and wellness accounts
• Employee assistance program
• 3 weeks paid vacation plus bonus and professional days
• Winter/Christmas closure (paid time off)
• Hybrid work options
• Law Society Membership and ALIA fees
• Training and Professional Development opportunities
• Team environment

Requirements

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