Roster Lawyer – Independent Legal Advice (ILA) Program
The Department of Justice, Victim Services is currently seeking lawyers to join the roster for the Independent Legal Advice Program for adult survivors of sexual assault.
ABOUT THE ILA PROGRAM
The Independent Legal Advice (ILA) program was launched in 2017 to help improve access to justice for adult survivors of sexual assault. The program provides up to 4 hours of free confidential legal advice to adult survivors of sexual assault.
To be eligible, participants must be 16 years or older at the time they access the program, and the sexual assault must have occurred in Nova Scotia. The program respects survivor’s privacy by facilitating the intake process through 211 Nova Scotia, an entirely independent organization. To register, participants can contact 211 Nova Scotia, and they are then given a certificate for 2 hours of legal advice and a roster of lawyers they can choose to contact. Participants can get a second certificate, for an additional 2 hours which they can choose to use with the same lawyer or a different one from the roster.
WHAT WE OFFER
• Registration in an online module entitled ‘Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence’ to learn how to support survivors of sexual assault using a trauma-informed approach.
• A full day introductory in-person training session facilitated by a public prosecutor with extensive experience in sexual assault cases, to learn about the details of sexual assault law.
• A chance to connect, network, and learn from other lawyers on the roster.
• Professional Development opportunities, including the opportunity to engage with subject matter experts in the realm of sexual violence.
• The ability to expand your knowledge of criminal trail practice.
• The ability to expand your knowledge on the issue of sexual assault.
LOCATION
Lawyers can work from anywhere in the province. We encourage applications from those residing in rural areas of the province (outside of the central region).
PAY
• Hourly rates for legal advice vary depending on a lawyer’s experience practicing law.
o Lawyers with less than 5 years of experience are paid $120/hour
o Lawyers with 5 years or more of experience are paid $140/hour
• Travel will not be reimbursed unless there are special circumstances and prior approval has been granted by the Department.
• All lawyers are paid $95/hour for training and attending community of practice meetings.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide adult victims/survivors of sexual assault (16+) with up to four (4) hours of independent legal advice. Lawyers may spend no more than 30 minutes of the client’s 2-hour certificate on research.
• Once contacted by a client, you (or a designate) will respond within 24 hours of receiving communication from the client.
• Prior to commencing legal services for the client, you must contact 211 to confirm the certificate number provided by the client.
• Once the certificate is complete, submit all required documents to Victim Services in a timely manner for billing.
• Advise the Department immediately if they are no longer able to participate in the program or if you need to request a leave.
• Advise the Department immediately if there are any changes to your status with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, including any disciplinary proceedings.
• Complete all mandatory training.
• Participate in the Community of Practice.
ELIGIBILITY
• You are a practicing lawyer.
• You are insured.
• You are a member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society.
• You agree to attend a selection interview.
• You agree to the project rate.
• You have never been listed on a Child Abuse or Sexual Offender register.
• You are interested in expanding your knowledge of criminal practice and sexual assault law.
ASSETS
• You have experience in criminal law practice.
• You have experience with sexual assault cases.
• You have experience in community or civic activities related to working with sexual assault victims.
• You are involved in professional associations that are related to working with vulnerable populations and/or victims/survivors of trauma.
• You have teaching or presentation experience related to the impact of trauma on victims/survivors, or legal issues facing victims/survivors of sexual assault.
• You have published on topics that may be related to this work.
• You have specialized training/experience in an area that may be of benefit to this work such as, mental health, intimate partner violence, persons with disabilities, cultural competency, addictions, and working with diverse populations.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The goal is for the ILA Lawyer roster to be representative of the clients that we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are a member of one of these groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your application.
APPLY
Please send an email to vicservices-ila@novascotia.ca to request an application or with any questions.
We accept applications continuously throughout the year. However, lawyers complete the introduction training in batches. Please submit your application by October 31st, 2024, to ensure that you are included in the next round of training.
Link to Job Posting:
Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 10/31/2024