Barrister & Solicitor

Role Responsibilities

Are you interested in providing legal advice on the Government of Alberta’s labour relations legislation and policies, to help it ensure that Alberta’s workplaces operate within a fair legislative framework?

Alberta Justice - Legal Services Division - has an opportunity for a lawyer to join the Jobs and Immigration (J&I) Legal Team in Edmonton and be part of an experienced, collaborative group.

We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is capable of providing high quality, legal and strategic advice on labour relations matters spanning both public and private sectors. 
This work includes:

• Providing advice on the interpretation and application of labour relations legislation, including the development of new or amending legislation;
• Providing client-focused written and verbal legal and strategic advice to support decision-making on a wide range of labour relations issues;
• Assisting the client in developing and implementing policies and strategies pertaining to labour relations;
• Analyzing legal and strategic risks and recommending mitigation strategies;
• Working with other legal teams to coordinate legal advice and services; and
• Working with clients, including senior government officials, to advance goals.

The position will also advise on other legal matters within the scope of the J&I Legal Team as circumstances require.

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.

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

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

Experience considered:

• Civil Crown Counsel 1 - Up to Four years of related experience in providing legal advice on labour relations matters
• Civil Crown Counsel 2 - Four years to 11 years of related experience in providing legal advice on labour relations matters
• Civil Crown Counsel 3 - more than 11 years of related experience in providing legal advice on labour relations matters

Requirement:

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

In your cover letter, please briefly summarize:

• Legal experience in Labor relations matters.
• Relevant strengths and skills.
• Reasons for interest in the position.

Practice experience or expertise in labour relations law is required.

As an ideal candidate you are capable of forming robust client relationships and managing complexities in client responsibilities and functions, and you possess:

• Experience providing strategic legal advice including on large, complex projects;
• Experience providing advice on the interpretation and application of legislation;
• Exceptional legal, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills; and
• Exceptional analytical, research and effective writing skills.

Assets

Four or more years of experience in providing legal advice on labour relations matters, and a thorough understanding of labour relations principles, practices and legislation are particularly strong assets. Practice experience or expertise may include:

• appearing before the Labour Relations Board;
• representing clients in labour arbitration proceedings;
• interpreting and applying labour relations legislation;
• academic or publishing experience in the field of labour relations;
• providing legal advice to regulators, union or management side clients respecting labour relations; or
• providing legal advice to clients who have significant labour relations responsibilities.

In addition to experience practising in labour relations law, the following are also considered assets:
•    Knowledge of other legislation and policies governing Alberta’s workplaces;
•    Practice experience or expertise in any of the following: employment law, occupational health and safety law, administrative law, professional regulatory law, or the development of legislation; and
•    Public sector experience.

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 available.

Location: This opportunity is located on 3rd Floor Bowker Building, 9833 - 109 Street, Edmonton,Alberta.

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
• 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.