Criminal Litigator in Edmonton

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.

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 documentation
• Negotiate 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

• 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:

• Genuine work/life balance
• RRSP with 8% employer contribution
• Health and dental benefits
• 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

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