Legal Counsel

Role Responsibilities

This is an excellent opportunity for a litigation lawyer who is passionate about human rights and committed to advancing the public interest. In this role, you will represent the Director before the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal in matters involving allegations of discrimination across a broad range of areas, including employment, goods, services and facilities, and housing.

You will also provide legal advice to the Director and Commission staff on human rights, administrative law, and related legal disciplines. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop experience in both traditional litigation processes and alternative dispute resolution.

About the Alberta Human Rights Commission

The Alberta Human Rights Commission has a two fold mandate: to foster equality and reduce discrimination. The Commission fulfills this mandate through public education and community initiatives, the resolution and settlement of human rights complaints, and representation before tribunals and courts.

You will join a dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to advancing the Commission’s mission, mandate, and public service objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, your responsibilities will include:

• Representing the Director before the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal, including attending preliminary hearings and arguing matters on behalf of the Director.
• Reviewing files and providing opinions on merit and remedy.
• Resolving files and processing settlement agreements and payments.
• Preparing for and conducting Tribunal Dispute Resolution (TDR) sessions.
• Providing legal advice to the Director on complex or unusual legal matters.
• Providing legal support and opinions to Commission staff and Human Rights Officers.
• Responding to court requests, submitting records, and preparing for and attending court hearings.
• Updating existing legal opinions and drafting new opinions and briefing summaries on emerging jurisprudence.
• Reviewing training and education materials prepared by Communications, Education, and Engagement.
• Supervising legal reviews and opinions conducted by external counsel on behalf of the Commission.
• Providing input into legislative, policy, bylaw, procedure, and protocol development, as requested.
• Completing special projects as assigned by the Director or Chief.

Role and Responsibilties Continued

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Strong litigation and dispute resolution experience.
• 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. 

Why Join Us

This role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the advancement of human rights in Alberta while building specialized experience in administrative law, tribunal advocacy, and dispute resolution. You will be supported by a knowledgeable and collegial team dedicated to public service and access to justice.

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

Minimum Requirements:

A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (JD) is required. You must be an active member or must have immediate eligibility for full membership with the Law Society of Alberta.

Legal Counsel 1: Minimum of 0-4 years legal experience is required

Legal Counsel 2: Minimum of 4 years of legal experience required

Other Requirement

• Experience in Litigation and alternative dispute resolution is required. 
• A strong understanding of Human Rights Law and administrative law is required. 
• Experience in written and oral advocacy, law of evidence, examination and cross examination of witnesses are essential.
• 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.
  
  

Asset

• Experience working with, and sensitivity to, the lived experiences of Albertans from communities that have historically been marginalized or disadvantaged will be considered a strong asset 
• An understanding of current issues related to diversity, inclusion and systemic discrimination is an asset.
  
  

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

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 (1) temporary role (up to 15 months) is available.
 
Location: Edmonton or Calgary

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.