Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a permanent full time Legal Assessment Team Manager 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

Reporting to the Director, Certificate & Assessment Services and working as part of an integrated team, the Legal Assessment Team Manager will be responsible to develop and implement processes and procedures to deliver effective and innovative legal assessment services across the province. This role will be responsible for transforming data results for a specified area of law into business insights used for decision-making and strategic planning. This position supports and leads a team of lawyers and non-lawyers. This position will also support the Director, Certificate & Assessment Services with their role and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, daily tasks and oversight of current teams reporting to the Director.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director, Certificate & Assessment Services some of the key responsibilities include:

Management and Leadership:

• Provide mentorship, coaching, information sessions and legal practice advice to the Assessment Team with the respective area of legal expertise.
• Participate in team meetings and other office/leadership meetings and lead team meetings of direct reports.
• Participate in recruitment activities in consultation with Human Resources.
• Performance management including conducting annual performance reviews for direct reports.
• Participate in coordinating training related to practice areas Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) operates in for staff lawyers and employees.
• Understand and ensure LAA policies and procedures are being adhered to.

Day-to-day Activities

• Lead in the development and continuous improvement of the Assessment Team Program.
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the Assessment Team.
• Ensure ongoing development of the legal assessment operations manual aligns with best practices to assess, classify, and determine the appropriate level of client service coverage.
• Participate in various committees and in stakeholder meetings as applicable to enhance access to justice for our clients and to improve Alberta’s overall justice system.
• Responsible for other duties and/or project work as assigned by the Director, Certificate & Assessment Services
• Responsible for educating roster lawyers in their understanding of the Legal Aid Alberta Rules, Policies and Tariff.
• Responsible for dealing with roster escalation as it relates to decisions made by the Manager and the Assessment Team.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Law Degree
• Minimum 7 years experience in Family Law Required. Immigration and criminal experience is considered an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Justice System, legal terminology and Community Service Agencies

Knowledge and Skills:
Knowledge:

• Familiar with databases and various computer applications such as case management software.
• Excellent working knowledge of family law, including:
• Legal processes and relevant legislation.
• Rules of Court and court proceedings.
• Excellent understanding of court room and administrative processes.
• Legal analysis and application of law to relevant facts.
• Excellent computer literacy, particularly MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal & communication (written and oral) skills, including the ability to express ideas and recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with lawyers and non-lawyers in a fast paced, high stress environment.
• Extensive research and technical skills with the ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk and advise clients and/or LAA on the appropriate course of action.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills including the ability to deal with conflicting or urgent priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and general management skills.
• Maturity, tact and good judgment, particularly when clients are in conflict or crisis.
• Understand issues arising when dealing with persons from diverse cultures, persons from low-income or other disadvantaged groups and persons in distress.
• Ability to use web-based legal research tools and other web-based resources.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for improving access to justice

What We Offer

Annual Salary Range : $130,000- $185,000

Perks of working with us

• Competitive wage
• RRSP employer contribution
• Health and dental benefits
• Health and wellness accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Hybrid work opportunities
• Team environment
• Work Life Balance

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’ to create your candidate profile. This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Requirements

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