Executive Legal Officer, Court of Appeal

Role Responsibilities

Do you have a strong background in legal research, speech and policy writing and well-developed strategic thinking skills? If so, the Court of Appeal is recruiting to an executive legal officer position that may interest you!
 

Under the general supervision of and reporting to the Chief Justice of Alberta and administratively to the Court’s Executive Director/Registrar, this position delivers senior level legal and advisory services.
 

This role involves:

• Supporting the development of institutional messages for the Chief Justice and when required, other judges.
• Guiding and conducting complex and thorough research and analysis on various topics to ensure relevant, accurate, and credible information required to prepare writing assignments that include public-related documents.
• Conducting all aspects of the speech writing process from start to finish, which includes fact gathering (research and interviews), identification of the organizational goal, and understanding and writing for the targeted audience.
• Proactively and independently identifying emerging issues affecting the delivery of justice and inter-related foundational legal principles of access to justice, independence of the judiciary, and rule of law.
• Providing high-level legal advice to the Chief Justice on institutional level policy and development.
• Contributing to the professional learning and development of legal staff which include designing and implementing education programs for Legal Counsel.
• Supporting the recruitment and orientation for the articling student program.
• Supporting Court committees and the Chief Justice to improve the administration of justice and act as legal advisor as required.
   

To be successful in this role, you must possess:

• Excellent legal research and analysis and creative writing, storytelling, and speechwriting skills.
• Superior and demonstrated planning, organization, and leadership skills.
• Deep understanding of strategic thinking and communications.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships within the court system and external stakeholders.
• Strong ability to manage change and influence outcomes, demonstrating conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Strong ability to work in a highly demanding environment while maintaining quality standards.
   

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

Qualifications

Requirements:
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree. For Law degrees obtained outside Canada, proof of accreditation from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator is required.

 A minimum of four (4) years of directly related post bar legal experience is required. Preference will be given to candidates with close to 11 years of related experience.

Related legal experience includes extensive experience with Canadian and foreign 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 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

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• A Master of Laws degree (LLM)
• Law journal, policy and other legal writing experience
• Working knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of the Court and provincial statutes, regulations, policies, and applicable legislation
• Work experience in a law firm, court and/or tribunal setting
• Work experience in developing and teaching materials for legal education 
• Leadership, mentorship and/or workplace coaching experience

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

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.) or Edmonton (1A Sir Winston Churchill Square).
   

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 - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• *Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits

               *Contract employees are not eligible for LTDI benefits; other applicable benefits may vary.

• 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 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.