At a Glance
- Tasks: Represent clients in family law matters and provide sound legal advice.
- Company: Legal Aid Alberta, a non-profit organization dedicated to affordable legal services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid professional days, health benefits, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Law degree, active Law Society member, and 5 years of family law experience.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 $ per year.
Calgary Office, 605 5 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill an 18 month temporary full-time Duty Counsel Lawyer - Family in our 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.
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 Justice and 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 Justice and 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 a 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 5 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.
- Familiarity with child welfare proceedings and emergency protection order applications.
- 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.
- Legal analysis and application of law to relevant facts.
- 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.
Annual Salary Range: $93,000 - $160,000
What We Offer:
- Competitive wage.
- Paid professional days.
- Winter closure (paid time off).
- Work-life balance.
- Health and dental benefits.
- Health and wellness accounts.
- Employee assistance program.
Requirements:
Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check and social media screening.
Duty Counsel Lawyer – Calgary employer: Legal Aid Alberta
Legal Aid Alberta is an exceptional employer that prioritizes the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on client service and a commitment to reconciliation, our Edmonton office fosters a collaborative work culture where team members are encouraged to grow professionally through ongoing learning and engagement with Indigenous communities. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social justice and legal advocacy.
