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 Ministry of Children and Family Services, the Director of Maintenance Enforcement, Child Support Services, and the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee:

• Represent the Director 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
• Represent Child Support Services, the Director of Maintenance Enforcement, and the Director under Part 5 of the Income and Employment Supports Act.

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

• Appearing primarily in the Court of Justice on child protection applications and trials under the Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act,
• Appearing in King’s Bench to handle appeals, 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.

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• In-depth knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act,
• Exceptional oral advocacy skills,
• 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,
• Ability to work independently, and
• Strong commitment to the Vision and Values of the Alberta Public Service.

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.

• Systems Thinking - Seeks Clarity - Identifies several analytical techniques and sources of knowledge to break apart complex problems.
• Agility - Seeks out new opportunities - Identifies alternative approaches or courses of action in unclear and complex situations. Supports others to identify, assess, and use alternative approaches.
• Drive for Results - Plan for results - Sets goals and prioritizes work to accomplish them. Follows through on duties and tasks and reports on progress.
• Build Collaborative Environments - Encourages diversity - Promotes collaboration and positive relationships (even in challenging circumstances) within and across groups and builds commitment to reach desired results.
• Creative Problem Solving - Have the ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.
• Develop Self and Others - A commitment to lifelong learning and the desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of yourself and others.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (JD). 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.
• Below is the minimum number of years required for each classification:
  • Civil Crown Counsel 1 (0-4 years of related experience)
  • Civil Crown Counsel 2 (Minimum of 4 years of related experience)
  • Civil Crown Counsel 3 (Minimum of 11 years of related experience)

Classification and salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications.

• A cover letter is required along with your application. In your cover letter, please briefly summarize your:

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

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Assets:

• Trial experience, and
• Experience in the Court of Justice and King’s Bench with child protection matters.

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: 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week (Monday - Friday).

Positions currently available: One (1) permanent salaried position is available.

Location: 1660 Standard Life Building, 639 5th Avenue, Calgary, Alberta.

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 have to offer to prospective employees.

• 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.