Lawyer - Major Cases

Legal Aid Saskatchewan (LAS) is seeking for experienced and highly skilled Staff Lawyers – Major Cases (three (3) full time, permanent positions) to take on some of the most complex and high-impact criminal matters in the province in the following regions: Central, Northern and Southern. In this role, successful candidates will work on serious, high-jeopardy criminal matters, including major cases, conflict files, and appeals, appearing at all levels of court up to and including the Supreme Court of Canada. You will play a key role in shaping criminal defence strategy across Saskatchewan while mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to province-wide legal excellence. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned criminal defence lawyers who thrive in challenging litigation and is motivated by advancing excellence in criminal law and access to justice.

Why work for us?

At Legal Aid Saskatchewan (LAS), we are committed to ensuring access to justice for all, and we believe in the power of advocacy to change lives. Joining our team means being part of a province-wide organization that values compassion, collaboration, courage and commitment.

Our lawyer competitive salary is in the range of $132,271.04 up to $203,233.84 based on years of relevant experience and Call to Bar years. In addition to salary, our generous and comprehensive benefit package includes employer’s paid extended health & dental family coverage; paid sick time; three weeks of paid vacation at the start, plus scheduled or earned days off (12 SDOs or 26 EDOs per year for support staff and 12 SDOs per year for lawyers); 14 Statutory holidays; pension match 6.35%; relocation assistance if applicable and more. For more information visit: legalaid.sk.ca/about/careers/

GENERAL SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager - Major Cases and Conflicts, the Staff Lawyer - Major Cases is responsible for providing legal and strategic advice on major cases arising from designated offices as assigned by the Manager - Major Cases and Conflicts. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying a criminal caseload involving appeals and major cases and conflicts arising from major cases on a wide range of criminal matters, up to and including full trial representation, at all levels of court. This role will be expected to contribute to the development of criminal law excellence across the province and participate in legal education in the areas of criminal law, ethics, and the like.

The position offers the opportunity to make a difference while working in an access-to-justice organization, together with a competitive salary and group benefits. The successful candidate must be based in Saskatchewan and will be required to travel to LAS Area Offices and court points as needed. This is a fully remote position, and the successful candidate must be able to work effectively in a remote environment. Depending on operational needs and workspace availability, there may be an opportunity to work from a local area office.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• In accordance with, and subject to The Legal Aid Act and The Legal Aid Regulations, The Legal Aid Saskatchewan Service Rules, and the Code of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Saskatchewan (all as amended from time to time), provides and is fully responsible for legal services to eligible clients where the matter has been determined to have professional merit.
• Provides criminal defense for all criminal matters assigned, including those described as Major Cases.
• Caseload can include Major Cases and support to Area Offices as time and workload permits.
• Attends and litigates at all levels of court, including Saskatchewan Provincial Court, Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Canada, which will include appearances in multiple geographic locations.
• Crafts and strategizes in novel areas of defense, advocacy, and law reform, in consultation with other staff lawyers and management.
• Conducts client meetings and provides timely, clear, and concise professional advice to clients.
• Performs legal research to ensure the best outcome for the client and to develop the criminal practice at LAS
• Drafts relevant legal documents in a timely and efficient manner and will contribute to development of templates and practice directives for Major Case matters.
• Maintains up to date legal knowledge in criminal law, especially in areas of high jeopardy, complexity, and severity.
• Performs all administrative duties relating to file management to ensure efficient and timely processing of files.
• Maintains currency and compliance with LAS training, policies, and procedures, including timely entries of time on files.
• Demonstrates proficiency in digital practice management, including maintaining fully electronic files and minimizing reliance on paper.
• Serves as a mentor to junior lawyers and articling students, providing coaching and support where needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Dependability and Reliability: dependability to handle duties and assignments; is committed, skilled and responsible.
• Client Service: leads by example and promotes a client centric culture and ensures alignment with best practices and LAS’ expectations.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: expresses ideas respectfully, concisely, and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Leading Self:is aware of personal strengths and weaknesses and their impact on others.
• Cooperation and Attitude with Others: acts with integrity and respect and works together for a common purpose.
• Leadership: willingness and ability to accept responsibility. Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with coworkers. Showing empathy and care for others. Being compassionate, collaborative, courageous, and committed.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

• LL.B. or J.D. Law Degree from a recognized university and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
• Minimum of five years of litigation experience in the practice of criminal law which must include handling major cases (please refer to the definition of Major Cases attached to this posting).
• Satisfactorily pass a criminal record check.
• Outstanding oral communication and presentation skills.
• Superior written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Effective case management and organizational skills including time entry.
• The ability to meet short deadlines, working independently and as part of a team.
• Experience and proficiency with computer software applications, including legal research applications and MS Office.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in digital practice management, including maintaining fully electronic files and minimizing reliance on paper.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to enter time on files in the system of record in a timely and accurate manner.
• Must have a driver’s license (Class 5).
• Must be able to travel.
• Must be comfortable traveling in small / chartered aircraft with court parties to remote court point locations.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete and submit with their application package, the Lawyer Major Case Qualifications Assessment (attached).

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.