Staff Lawyer (Sexual Offence Legal Representation Program (SOLR)

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION
STAFF LAWYER – SEXUAL OFFENCE LEGAL REPRESENTATION PROGRAM (SOLR)

Type of Employment: 13-month Term Contract
Location: HRM Duty Counsel Office – 402 -5475 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy – Based on Relevant Experience
Closing Date: February 3, 2025, at 12:00 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.

Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Deputy Executive Officer, the Staff Lawyer provides advice and legal representation related to Sexual Offence Legal Representation (SOLR) matters as noted below:

1. This is a full-time Staff Lawyer position, with a 13-month term from March 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. This Pilot is a collaboration between the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission and the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Victim Services. There is a potential for this term to be extended at the end of the Pilot.
2. Pursuant to the Sexual Offence Legal Representation Program (SOLR), the Staff Lawyer will represent complainants in relation to Section 276 Criminal Code applications, regarding any other sexual activity and Section 278.3 Criminal Code applications for the production and admissibility of private third-party records containing personal information, which have been filed in Court by the accused.
3. Ability to travel to provide representation to all regions/work in collaboration with the current SOLR Roster is a requirement of the position.
4. Will provide training and education to current SOLR roster (via NSLA) as well as training and education to the SOLR lawyers on the SOLR process.
5. Will work closely with the Public Prosecution Service’s Sexual violence lawyers to ensure awareness around files.
6. Must have a good understanding of trauma informed processes and resources for their clients for referral or reference.
7. Involvement in regular meetings with NSLA/VS to ensure there are no gaps/concerns with process.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant criminal law.
• Manage a high caseload.
• 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.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing, including working interculturally and with Community Stakeholders.
• Must be skilled in negotiation, debate, and persuasion techniques.
• Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues.
• Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
• Experience in the investigation of facts, identification of issues, ascertaining organizational objectives, consideration of alternative solutions, analyzation of risk, and advise to clients.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies.
• Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Word and Outlook or equivalents.
• Must have a valid driver’s licence.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Degree.
• Practicing member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (and/or any other provincial law society).

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.