Barrister & Solicitor

Role Responsibilities

Are you looking for an opportunity to focus on your legal skills in a collaborative environment while working on interesting matters relating to child protection, maintenance enforcement and child support? If your answer is yes, then we are interested in hearing from you!

The Family and Surrogate Court Litigation Team (FASCL) - provides legal services to the Department of Children and Family Services, the Maintenance Enforcement and Child Support Services programs. 

The responsibilities of FASCL lawyers include but are not limited to:

• Representing Children and Family Services on court applications under the Child Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA), as applicant or respondent, and in all levels of court and provide legal advice on questions of general application involving the interpretation of the CYFEA, Canada’s Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families and the Director’s duties under those acts; and
• Representing the Director of Maintenance Enforcement, and the Director under Part 5 of the Income and Employment Supports Act in all levels of court on child support matters.

As a member of the team, your key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Appearing primarily in the Court of Justice on child protection applications and trials under the CYFEA;
• Appearing in the Court of King’s Bench to handle appeals and judicial reviews, as necessary, on child protection matters;
• Managing a busy caseload;
• Reviewing and assessing documents for disclosure;
• Providing advice and support to the client with respect to child protection issues; and
• Drafting clear, concise, and accurate legal opinions.

The ideal candidate will be capable of forming good client relationships and will have:

• A strong client focus.
• Excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, research, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong legal drafting skills.
• High flexibility and the ability to work within a team and respond quickly to address frequently changing client needs, issues, and priorities.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Agility - Must be able to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience, and work effectively in changing environments.
• Drive for Results - Sets goals and prioritizes work to accomplish them. Follows through on duties and tasks and reports on progress.
• Develop Self and Others - Desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of self and others.
• Build Collaborative Environments - Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.
• Develop Networks - Proactively builds networks, connects and build trust in relationships with different stakeholders.
• Systems Thinking - Understands how work contributes to the achievement of departmental goals. Anticipates changes in own area based on activities in other areas.
• Creative Problem Solving - Have the ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Qualifications

It is required to have a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree. 

For Law degrees obtained outside Canada, proof of accreditation from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) is required.

You must be an active member or must have immediate eligibility for full membership with the Law Society of Alberta.

Related Experience to be considered: 

• Civil Crown Counsel 1: Less than four years of related experience.
• Civil Crown Counsel 2: 4 years to 11 years of related experience.
• Civil Crown Counsel 3: More than 11 years of related experience.

Court room experience is required.

In your cover letter, please briefly summarize:

• Legal experience and expertise,
• Relevant strengths and skills, and
• Reasons for interest in the position

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Travel to other areas of Alberta may be required.

As an ideal candidate you are capable of forming robust client relationships, regularly and competently appearing in all levels of court, and possess:

• In-depth Knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act;
• Exceptional oral advocacy skills;
• Trial experience;
• Strong research and writing skills
• Familiarity and experience in the Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench with child protection matters;
• Excellent negotiation and alternate dispute resolution skills;
• Effective problem solving and interpersonal skills;
• Exceptional relationship building skills with clients and stakeholders;
• Ability to think strategically; and
• Ability to work independently 

Specific experience in Trial areas is considered an asset.

Candidates will also have a strong commitment to the Vision and Values of the Alberta Public Service.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Hours of work: Monday - Friday, 8:15 am - 4:30 pm (36.25 /week)

Positions Currently available: One permanent salaried position is available.

Location: This opportunity is located at 1660 Standard Life Building, 639-5 Avenue, Calgary, AB.

Final candidates will be asked 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. 

What we offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool - https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.