LAA-26-64- Indigenous Legal Services Counsel

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 provider
• 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

Education and Experience:

• 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

• 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.