Barrister & Solicitor

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

1d•CA$103,025 - CA$215,606•Onsite

About The Position

Justice, Legal Services Division, is responsible for providing quality legal advice to the Government of Alberta. The work is fast-paced and provided in a collaborative team environment. Our lawyers are involved in a wide range of legal work that is challenging, interesting, important, and ever-changing. The Justice and Public Safety and Emergency Services Legal Team (JPSES) offers a unique opportunity to advise on some of the Government of Alberta's most complex, high-profile, and impactful legal matters. The team serves as the dedicated legal advisor to the Ministries of Justice and Public Safety and Emergency Services, providing both day-to-day legal support and strategic counsel on high-impact issues that directly affect public safety, democratic governance, government operations and the administration of justice in Alberta. Few legal practices offer the same breadth, variety, and opportunity to have a role in the development of public policy. Our lawyers work on matters that are often legally complex, politically sensitive, and highly visible. We regularly tackle emerging issues where there may be limited precedent and where thoughtful legal analysis can help shape government responses and future legislative frameworks. This position is ideal for lawyers who are energized by the interplay between legislation and public policy, and who want to contribute to meaningful government initiatives from concept development through implementation. From legislative reform and emerging public policy initiatives to novel legal issues with no clear precedent, the work is intellectually demanding, highly collaborative, and directly connected to outcomes that matter to Albertans. As a member of the JPSES Legal Team, you will work closely with policy makers, senior government officials, and ministry leadership to navigate complex legal issues and develop practical solutions. You will have the opportunity to be involved in legislative and regulatory reform, support major government priorities, and help shape the legal framework governing matters such as public safety, law enforcement, corrections, youth justice, information sharing, democratic processes, and other significant public-interest initiatives.

Requirements

A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Must be an active member or 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.
Civil Crown Counsel 1 – One to four (1-4) years of related legal experience.
Civil Crown Counsel 2 – Minimum of four (4) years of related legal experience.
Civil Crown Counsel 3 – Minimum of eleven (11) years of related legal experience.
A cover letter is required along with your application. In your cover letter, please briefly summarize: Legal experience; Relevant strengths and skills; and Reasons for interest in the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing strategic legal advice, including on large, complex projects.
Experience providing advice on the interpretation and application of legislation.
Experience prioritizing issues effectively to respond to numerous challenges and changing demands.
Flexibility and the ability to work within a project team or individually.
Exceptional legal, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills.
Exceptional analytical, research and effective writing skills.
Experience advising public sector clients.
Practice experience or expertise providing legal advice on: Statutory interpretation in a government context, including legislation specific to the Crown and/or public agencies.
Development of legislation and statutory instruments.
Administrative law, including the application of administrative law principles to decision makers.
Public law.
Contracts, grants, and government procurement.
Governance matters respecting public agencies.

Responsibilities

Support government decision-making by providing legal risk assessments and strategic advice on high-profile initiatives and emerging issues.
Provide strategic legal advice on novel and complex matters affecting Justice and Public Safety and Emergency Services with a focus on Statutory Interpretation, Administrative Law, Corporate Law, including Contract Law, and Privacy Law.
Advise on legislative and regulatory reform, including developing legislative proposals, interpreting statutes, supporting policy development, and working closely with Legislative Counsel during the drafting process.
Advise on contracts, grants, procurement, information-sharing arrangements, privacy considerations, and other operational matters, including drafting legal instruments as appropriate.
Collaborate with clients, colleagues across Legal Services Division, and other stakeholders to develop creative and practical solutions to challenging legal questions.
Coordinate specialized legal services across government, ensuring client departments receive the appropriate legal expertise while maintaining a consistent legal strategy.