Legal Counsel, Court of Appeal

Role Responsibilities

Do you have a strong background in legal research and writing and well-developed analytical skills? If so, the Court of Appeal is recruiting to a legal position that may interest you!

Under the general supervision of and reporting to the Chief Justice of Alberta and the Court’s Executive Director / Registrar, this position assists one or two Court of Appeal Justices.

This role involves :

• Assisting the Court in the efficient administration of justice through the provision of legal and administration services.
• Preparing for the hearing of appeals and applications, conducting research and legal analysis, preparing legal memoranda, and editing and proofreading judgments.
• Reviewing appeal materials and consulting with the Justices on legal issues that may require additional research, which also entails assigning and overseeing that research by Court students.
• Staying apprised of changes in legislation and case law.
• Maintaining and updating internal legal resources for use by the judiciary and judicial staff.
• Drafting and / or editing papers, speeches, or presentation materials, as requested.
• Participating in Court administration committee work and helping manage the student program. Legal counsel act as mentors to the articling students.
• Adapting to change and working with evolving technologies such as e-filing, paperless court records, and electronic hearings.

To be successful in this role, you must possess :

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including speechwriting skills.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, prioritizing, and multi-tasking skills.
• Well-developed legal research skills.
• Ability to work in a highly demanding environment with limited supervision.

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree supplemented with a minimum of four (4) years directly related legal experience.

Related legal experience includes extensive experience with Canadian legal research tools, well-developed research and analytical skills, and exceptional legal writing skills.

It also includes prior court or tribunal experience.

Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta or eligibility for membership is required.

All applicants must provide a cover letter, law school transcripts, and a general writing sample. In your cover letter, please provide a brief overview (approximately 300-400 words) of how your skills and qualifications make you suitable for this role.

Writing samples will be assessed for quality of work as part of the screening process.

Assets

A strong academic standing is essential. Preference will be given to candidates with :

• A Master of Laws degree (LLM)
• Law journal and other legal writing experience
• Supervisory work experience
• Written and oral communication skills in French

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to .

Notes

Position Information :

• This posting will be used to fill one (1) contract, full-time position with a duration of two (2) years.
• Hours of Work : 7.25 hours per day (36.25 hours per week), Monday to Friday.
• Location : Court of Appeal in Calgary (450 - 1st St. S.W.).

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents / checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate.

Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents / checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees :

• Working for the Alberta Public Service -
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information -
• Contract employees are not eligible for LTDI benefits; other applicable benefits may vary.
• Professional learning and development -
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in hybrid work arrangement, working from home up to two days per week.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.

Please note that contract employees are not eligible to participate in the GoA pension plan.