Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is seeking to fill a Full-time, Permanent Assessment Team Lawyer 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 Senior 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 for various areas of 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. Provide guidance and brief legal advice to clients on the Family Lawyer Phone Line and provide duty counsel services when required. Participate in the on-call program for emergency medical treatment hearings. Perform other work and activities as directed and assigned.

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 practising law with an emphasis on criminal or family.

Knowledge and Skills

Familiar with databases and various computer applications such as case management software.

Strong working knowledge of criminal or family, including

Legal processes and relevant legislation. Rules of Court and court proceedings. Youth Criminal Justice Act. Criminal Code and sentencing. Strong understanding of court room and administrative processes. Legal analysis and application of law to relevant facts. Strong computer literacy, particularly MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel). 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 Annual Salary Range: $105,000 - $171,500 What We Offer: Perks of working with us RRSP employer contribution Health and dental benefits Health and wellness accounts Employee assistance program Hybrid work opportunities Team environment 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 and social media screening.