At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve Indigenous communities by addressing legal aid concerns and promoting access to justice.
- Company: Legal Aid Alberta, a non-profit organization dedicated to affordable legal services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, RRSP contributions, health benefits, and hybrid work options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on collaboration and reconciliation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Indigenous communities while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Law degree, 5-7 years in Criminal Law, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 175000 $ per year.
Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a full-time permanent Indigenous Legal Services Counsel 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 Director, Certificate & Assessment Services, some of the key responsibilities include:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for Indigenous leaders, Elders, community representatives, and organizations regarding operations of legal aid-related concerns and access to justice issues.
- Respond to inquiries regarding legal aid services, legal representation, court processes, lawyer appointments, and service delivery concerns.
- Assist communities in understanding available legal services, legal aid programs, and pathways to obtaining legal assistance.
- Support issue resolution of legal service concerns impacting Indigenous clients, families, and communities.
- Identify recurring legal issues and barriers affecting Indigenous clients and communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
- Assist Indigenous communities in navigating challenges arising within the justice system and Legal Aid Alberta processes.
- Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with Indigenous leaders, Elders, Nations, Métis communities, Indigenous justice organizations, and community service providers.
- Create ongoing opportunities and lead engagement focused on Indigenous legal needs, client experiences, service gaps, and justice-system barriers/challenges.
- Gather feedback regarding client experiences and service gaps affecting Indigenous communities.
- Promote culturally respectful engagement practices that support trust, collaboration, and reconciliation.
- Provide advice and recommendations to senior leadership regarding Indigenous legal needs, access-to-justice challenges, and emerging community concerns.
- Prepare reports identifying trends, systemic barriers, risks, opportunities, and recommendations for improvement.
- Act as a subject matter expert regarding Indigenous justice legal issues, community concerns, and legal service delivery challenges.
Qualifications:
- Law degree from a recognized University.
- Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta entitled to practice in Alberta.
- Minimum 5 - 7 years of legal practice in Criminal Law.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals of trauma-informed practice.
- Knowledge and experience in Family and/or Immigration Law is considered an asset.
- Leadership, management, or project experience considered an asset.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Excellent working knowledge of applicable legislation.
- Knowledge of the LAA Bylaws, Governance Agreement, Tariff, FEG, and Administrative Policies.
- Knowledge of regulatory and privacy law, policy drafting.
- Knowledge of conflict management and ADR techniques.
- The ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, and consider possible solutions and advising LAA on the appropriate course of action.
- Application of appropriate skills including legal research, writing and drafting, legal analysis, application of the law to the relevant facts, negotiation, advocacy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
- Able to work closely with lawyers and non-lawyers in a high-stress environment.
- Maturity, tact and good judgment.
- Client-focused orientation and commitment to providing quality services.
Annual Salary Range: $120,000-$175,000
What We Offer: Perks of working with us include RRSP employer contribution, health and dental benefits, health and wellness accounts, employee assistance program, and hybrid work opportunities.
Requirements: Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check and social media screening.
Indigenous Legal Services Counsel in Edmonton 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.
