Staff Lawyer (Port Hawkesbury)

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION
STAFF LAWYER

Type of Employment: Term Contract with potential for permanency
Location: Port Hawkesbury – 302-15 Kennedy Street
Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy – Based on Relevant Experience
Closing Date: January 24, 2025 at 4:30 pm

Who we are:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are vulnerable and historically disadvantaged. NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 24 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Staff Lawyers help thousands of clients every year and spend much of their time in court. They are committed to helping overcome historical barriers to access to justice. Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Managing Lawyer, the Staff Lawyer provides advice and legal representation on a broad range of criminal and family related legal matters. This position will provide services in predominantly criminal law (in Provincial and Supreme Court) but may also carry some family law files and may require travel to other jurisdictions for criminal matters (Provincial, Supreme and Wellness Courts). This role also shares responsibility for cells and non-cells duty counsel, daytime telephone duty counsel and summary advice for various legal issues. The lawyer will give legal opinions, file legal documents, attend court proceedings, participate in mediation sessions and offer useful advice to clients. The successful candidate may be expected to participate in community and other legal education in the areas of criminal and family and related procedures.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:

1. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant criminal and family law.
2. Manage a high caseload.
3. Be able to work with clients who have complex needs, creatively problem solve and work independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing, including working interculturally and with Community Stakeholders.
5. Must be skilled in negotiation, debate, and persuasion techniques.
6. Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
7. Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues.
8. Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
9. Experience in the investigation of facts, identification of issues, ascertaining organizational objectives, consideration of alternative solutions, analyzation of risk, and advise to clients.
10. Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies.
11. Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Word and Outlook or equivalents.
12. Must have a valid driver’s licence.

Qualifications:

If you are talented, conscientious and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to NSLA-Careers@nslegalaid.ca.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.