NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION
STAFF LAWYER
Type of Employment: Term
Location: Halifax South – 5475 Spring Garden Road, Suite 400, Halifax
Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy – Based on Relevant Experience
Closing Date: April 4, 2024 at 4:30 pm
Who we are:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are vulnerable and historically disadvantaged. NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.
NSLAC employs staff in 24 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Staff Lawyers help thousands of clients every year and spend much of their time in court. They are committed to helping overcome historical barriers to access to justice. Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.
Primary Functions:
The Staff Lawyer provides advice and legal representation on a broad range of legal matters primarily in Supreme and Provincial Court. The lawyer will give legal opinions, file legal documents, attend court proceedings, participate in mediation sessions, and offer useful advice to clients. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in community and other legal education in the areas of criminal law and related procedures.
Ideal Abilities and Skills:
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant criminal law.
• Ability to manage a high caseload.
• Be able to work with clients who have complex needs, creatively problem solves and works independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including comfort speaking with diverse people.
• Must be skilled in negotiation, debate, and persuasion techniques.
• Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues.
• Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk, and advise clients.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies.
• Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Word and Outlook or equivalents.
• Must have a valid driver’s licence.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Degree.
• Practicing member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (and/or any other provincial law society).
We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.
If you are talented, hardworking and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.
Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.
Link to Job Posting:
Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 04/04/2024