Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a Full-time Assessment Team Lawyer downtown Edmonton office. This position will appeal to an individual who likes to take initiative, is client-focused, and is exceptionally strong in delivering high-quality results.

The Assessment Team Lawyer works with the Assessment Team to review applications for coverage of legal matters. The Assessment Team Lawyer also assesses applications for extended coverage.

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 are 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.

What You Will Be Doing

Reporting to the Assessment Team Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:

• Within established financial parameters, review authorization requests and approve or reject as necessary on existing certificates.
• Advise on the tariff and existing certificates when requested.
• Make case management decisions and coverage decisions through Discretionary Coverage Process.
• Provide merit opinions in a timely fashion in criminal law. Merit opinions will provide either a recommendation for or denial of coverage and determine urgency and priority of the client's matter.
• Adhere to screening and recording procedures, and eligibility guidelines.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in team and project work when required.
• Record statistics for reporting purposes.
• Perform other work and activities as directed and assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Law degree from a recognized law school.
• Membership in good standing in the Law Society of Alberta.
• Minimum of 3 years of practicing law with an emphasis on criminal law.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge:

• Familiar with databases and various computer applications such as case management software.
• Strong working knowledge of family law, including legal processes and relevant legislation, Rules of Court and court proceedings.
• Knowledge of Criminal law including Youth Criminal Justice Act, Criminal Code and sentencing.
• Strong understanding of courtroom and administrative processes.
• Legal analysis and application of law to relevant facts.
• Strong computer literacy, particularly MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Skills:

• Have the technical skills required to provide competent legal services including:
• Investigate the facts, identify key issues, ascertain client objectives, and consider possible solutions.
• Apply appropriate skills including legal research, writing and drafting, legal analysis, application of the law to the relevant facts.
• Ability to use web-based legal research tools and other web-based resources.
• Organizational skills including the ability to deal with conflicting urgent priorities.
• Work closely with lawyers and non-lawyers in a high stress environment.
• Maturity, tact, and good judgment, particularly when clients are in conflict or crisis.
• Promote a calm, professional working environment.
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Understand issues arising when dealing with persons from diverse cultures, persons from low-income or other disadvantaged groups and persons in distress.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for improving access to justice.

What We Offer

Perks of working with us

• Competitive wage
• RRSP employer contribution
• Health and dental benefits
• Health and wellness accounts
• Paid vacation time
• Holiday closure (paid time off)
• Bonus Days
• Professional days (paid time off)
• Employee assistance program

How to Apply

If you got excited at the prospect of being a part of our team when you reviewed this posting and you meet the minimum qualifications, please select ‘Apply Now’. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Requirements

Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.