LAA-24-18 - Bail Hearing Lawyer

Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill one full-time position for a Bail Lawyer in our Calgary office. This position will appeal to an individual that likes to take initiative, is client focused and is exceptionally strong at delivering high-quality results. The role requires 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.    
 
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 are an expert of law and can advise clients of their rights and legal obligations and represent their interests in proceedings. You have strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our team and have a solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values. 

Job Description 
Reporting to the Manager, Justice of the Peace Bail, some of the key responsibilities include: 

• Duty Counsel representation to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the policies and procedures of LAA Duty Counsel 
• Assist clients with Justice of the Peace bail applications. 
• Negotiate release conditions / plea arrangements with Crown counsel for accused. 
• Represent all clients at bail hearings. 
• Assist clients on Brydges calls with legal advice upon arrest and detention. 
• Complete and accurate statistical record keeping. 
• Compliance with office policy and procedures. 
• Participate in performance and staff meetings as required. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience 

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

Knowledge and Skills 

• Demonstrated understanding of the Law of Bail in Canada. 
• Alternative dispute resolution and negotiation skills. 
• Excellent understanding of court procedures and processes. 
• Excellent understanding of police and arrest procedures. 
• Advocacy, problem solving, communication skills and conflict resolution. 

• A high level of comfort working with remote court appearances, technology and a keen enthusiasm for learning new systems including computer literacy in MS Office (Outlook, Teams, Word), Webex, web-based legal research tools, and other web-based resources. 
• Ability 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 

What We Offer 

Perks of working with us 

• Competitive wage 

• RRSP with 8% employer contribution 
• Paid vacation time 
• Professional days (paid time off) 
• Health and dental benefits 
• Health and wellness accounts 

• Employee assistance program 
• Individual professional development budget 

**The JP Bail Team assists our valuable clients for extended hours (24 hours a day, 365 days per year.  Combining work life balance this team follows a continual rotational shift schedule (6 working days on and then 3 days off). Details are as follows: 

• 3 days:  8 am to 4 pm 
• 3 days: 4 pm to midnight 

• There will also be a rotational night shift required: midnight to 8 am 
• 3 days off 

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 will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.