Barrister & Solicitor

Role Responsibilities

Family and Surrogate Court Litigation Edmonton (FASCL Edmonton) is looking for an experienced litigator to join our team of lawyers that provide legal services to the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT).

As a member of the team, your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a high-volume caseload in a variety of areas of law, specifically related to  Represented Adult and deceased estate matters;
• Provide legal advice to and represent the Public Trustee and the Public Guardian in Court of King’s Bench (KB) Civil Chambers Represented Adult Chambers, and Masters’ Chambers when necessary;
• Assisting the Public Trustee with their mandated role under the Minors’ Property Act in the context of estate or trust and family maintenance and support claims,
• Providing legal representation to Represented Adult beneficiaries on behalf of the Public Trustee in relation to family maintenance and support claims;
• Providing advice and support to the Public Guardian and Public Trustee with respect to the following: the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act, Wills and Succession Act, Estate Administration Act, the Public Trustee Act, the Personal Directives Act, the Powers of Attorney Act and the Surrogate Rules of Court;
• Providing guidance to the Public Trustee and Public Guardian client regarding their responsibilities under the relevant legislation, as well as offering ongoing legal support as needed; and
• Drafting clear, concise, and accurate legal opinions.

The successful candidate will be expected to exhibit competency in both barrister and solicitor functions.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Highly developed verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical, research, and problem solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and sound judgment.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast paced, dynamic environment and respond well under pressure.
• Well developed organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to identify legal issues, opportunities, and practical solutions.
• Professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to ethical practice and public service.
• A positive, collaborative, and adaptable approach to work.
• Experience working with, and sensitivity to, the lived experiences of Albertans from communities that have historically been marginalized or disadvantaged.
• Knowledge of government programs and supports for disabled Albertans is an asset.

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 Networks - Proactively builds networks, foster connections, and establishes trust in relationships with diverse 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.
• Build Collaborative Environment - Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.
• 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

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.

Civil Crown Counsel 2: a minimum of 4 years of legal experience is required.

Civil Crown Counsel 3: a minimum of 11 years of legal experience is required.

Candidate is required to have:

• Solid knowledge and legal experience in Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship matters.
• Solid knowledge of the Wills and Succession Act, in particular the Family Maintenance and Support provisions.
• Strong court experience.

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.

Following will be the assets for this role:

• Strong Chambers advocacy skills.
• Effective problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Ability to work independently.

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 position is available.

Location: Edmonton.

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.
• 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.