Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is seeking to fill multiple full-time positions for a Justice of the Peace (JP) Bail Duty Counsel Lawyer. This is a Remote Work position that can be filled anywhere in Alberta. This position will appeal to an individual who likes to take initiative, is client-focused, and is exceptionally strong at delivering high-quality results. The role requires the ability to assist vulnerable clients, investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk, and advise clients and/or LAA on the appropriate course of action while adhering to strict timelines.

Who We Are: Access to Justice

As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, LAA provides affordable legal services in youth and adult criminal defence, family law, child welfare, and immigration. 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. Our strategic priorities are providing quality counsel, access to services and accountability in our service delivery. We believe that access to justice is a fundamental right and upholding the Rule of Law is an essential role for Legal Aid Alberta.

Who You Are: A fierce advocate

You are an expert, or working on becoming an expert, in criminal law and can advise clients of their rights and legal obligations in a fast-paced court environment. You are a quick thinker, able to provide sound advice and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You have strong interpersonal skills, enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You have excellent communication skills, especially in tough situations. You care deeply about access to Justice and the Rule of Law and have a solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.

Job Description

Reporting to the JP Bail Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:

• Duty Counsel representation in accordance with professional standards in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the policies and procedures of LAA.
• Help clients prepare a Bail plan to address the Crown concerns and support their release.
• Negotiate with Crown counsel on behalf of the accused for the purposes of Bail.
• Provide representation to the accused for JP Bail hearings.
• Assist individuals on ‘Brydges’ calls to provide legal advice upon arrest and detention
• Complete and accurate statistical record-keeping in keeping with LAA’s strategic priority of accountability.
• Compliance with office policy and procedures.
• Participate in performance and staff meetings as required.

Education and Experience

• Law Degree from a recognized law school
• Active Practising member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta
• Minimum 2 years criminal law experience

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated working knowledge of current Canadian criminal law, with a focus on bail law
• Working knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act
• Familiarity with immigration law and Canadian Border Security Agency procedures including Immigration Enforcement, Removal Orders and CBSA powers an asset
• Familiarity with Mental Health Act detentions and Mental Health Review Panel procedures an asset
• Alternative dispute resolution and negotiation skills
• Excellent understanding of court procedures and processes
• Excellent understanding of arrest and criminal procedure
• Well-developed advocacy, problem solving, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• A high level of comfort working with technology and integrated platforms and a keen enthusiasm for learning new IT systems
• Working fluency in MS Office (Outlook, Teams, Word), Webex, web-based legal research tools, and other web-based resources
• Willingness and aptitude to work with clients who have complex needs either through frequent requests for alternate representation, physical or mental disability, substance abuse, or living situations that impair their ability to resolve legal matters

The JP Bail Team assists our valuable clients 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Encouraging and promoting work-life balance, this team follows a 9-day rotational shift schedule:

• Day shifts: 8 am to 4 pm
• Evening shifts: 4 pm to midnight
• 3 days off
• Overnight Brydges: midnight to 8 am approximately every 18 weeks

What We Offer

• Competitive wage for a non-profit organization
• Primarily a Remote/Work from Home environment
• Consistent schedule and focus on work-life balance
• 15 days paid vacation, bonus and professional days (paid time off)
• RRSP with 8% employer contribution
• Standard health and dental benefits with expanded benefits for Psychology Health and Wellness as well as a Personal Spending Account and Employee assistance program

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying, select 'Apply Now’ to create your candidate profile. This position will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Requirements

Successful candidate(s) will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check prior to their start date.