Indigenous Legal Services Counsel

About the role

Legal Aid Alberta, a publicly funded non-profit providing affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration and criminal defence, is hiring a full-time permanent Indigenous Legal Services Counsel in its Edmonton office. The role reports to the Director, Certificate & Assessment Services, and suits someone who takes initiative, is client focused and delivers high-quality results.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for Indigenous leaders, Elders, community representatives and organizations on legal aid operations and access to justice issues.
• Respond to inquiries about legal aid services, representation, court processes, lawyer appointments and service delivery.
• Help communities understand available legal services, programs and pathways to legal assistance.
• Support resolution of legal service concerns affecting Indigenous clients, families and communities.
• Identify recurring legal issues and barriers, and report findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Build relationships with Indigenous leaders, Nations, Métis communities, justice organizations and service providers, and lead engagement on Indigenous legal needs and service gaps.
• Gather feedback on client experiences and promote culturally respectful engagement supporting trust, collaboration and reconciliation.
• Advise senior leadership and prepare reports on trends, barriers, risks and opportunities.

Required profile

• Law degree from a recognized university.
• Good standing membership with the Law Society of Alberta, entitled to practice in Alberta.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of legal practice in criminal law.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed practice fundamentals.
• Family and/or immigration law experience is an asset; leadership, management or project experience is an asset.
• Must pass a criminal record check and social media screening.

Required skills

• Working knowledge of applicable legislation and the LAA Bylaws, Governance Agreement, Tariff, FEG and administrative policies.
• Regulatory and privacy law, policy drafting, conflict management and ADR.
• Legal research, writing, drafting, legal analysis, negotiation, advocacy and problem-solving.
• Able to work closely with lawyers and non-lawyers in a high-stress environment.

What we offer

• Annual salary range of $120,000-$175,000.
• RRSP employer contribution, health and dental benefits, health and wellness accounts and employee assistance program.
• Hybrid work opportunities and a team environment.

Applications are made through the online application form; the competition remains open until a suitable candidate is found, and only interviewees are contacted.