Criminal Defence Lawyer

Job summary

Provide legal advice and represent clients through all stages of criminal proceedings, including duty counsel and bail matters, while delivering cost-effective, high-quality legal services. Maintain case files and service records, stay current on criminal law, and collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and best practices.

Job details

About the Company Nunavut Legal Aid employees are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of our clients. As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law. Building a diverse workforce that represents the Inuit communities we serve, while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives, and embraces differences as a priority, is a core value at Legal Aid. We encourage applicants from equity-seeking groups. We recognize the value of equity, diversity, and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers and prioritizing the attraction, retention, and support of diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered. About the Role Primary function: To provide legal services, remotely and in person. The individual(s) selected for this position will be based in our clinics located in various Nunavut Communities. A high volume of clients with complex and varied needs engage in criminal law, creating a demanding and challenging work environment. The Criminal Defence Lawyer will provide counsel to clients, inform them about their legal options, and represent them in court. You will also draft legal documents and conduct research. The preferred candidate will be a self-starter with substantial experience in criminal law, either in the private or public sector, who is familiar with legal aid services. Reporting to: Criminal Practice Lead. Responsibilities Provide high-quality legal services cost-effectively. Represent clients through all stages. Courageous advocacy on behalf of our clients. Provide legal advice to clients. Duty counsel, including bail. Maintain up-to-date knowledge about criminal law and practice. Manage and maintain files on time, in line with Legal Aid requirements (including using computer technology, smartphones, and required software). Data collection, including timely recording of services provided. Remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment. Punctual attendance. Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among colleagues. Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned. Qualifications Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Nunavut or another Canadian jurisdiction. Required Skills Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence, and relevant case law. Experience in criminal law/strong advocacy skills and interview techniques. Experience representing clients with complex legal issues, including bail hearings and guilty pleas. Trial experience and experience conducting bail reviews are considered assets. Client-focused with excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgment. Experience working with marginalized and vulnerable clients. Ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures. Strong interpersonal skills – the ability to work in a team setting, relate to other staff and manage through conflict. Excellent communication skills. Courtroom and trial experience. Sound judgement and ability to work in stressful situations. Capability with Microsoft 365 programs (Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and other computer-based programs such as SharePoint. Preferred Skills Prior training, advocacy experience or demonstrated interest in Indigenous issues, addictions, homelessness and youth issues. Demonstrated ability to use the latest communication technologies and social media. Demonstrated commitment to social justice. Pay range and compensation package Salary: $95,000 - $200,000/Year based on seniority, IAW the LSB Salary Grid. Additional Benefits: Vacation Travel Allowance ($3000 per qualified dependent) Subsidized Housing: Available RRSP Matching Generous Vacation Allocation Yearly Professional Development Northern Allowance ($16,000– $ 18,000, based on location). How to Apply To apply, submit a cover letter & résumé to hr-applications@nulegalaid.com. We will notify only candidates selected for an interview. Please provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence about this job posting directly at the email address provided on their résumé.

What you’ll do

Provide legal advice and represent clients through all stages of criminal proceedings, including duty counsel and bail matters, while delivering cost-effective, high-quality legal services. Maintain case files and service records, stay current on criminal law, and collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and best practices.

Requirements

Applicants must be lawyers in good standing with the Law Society of Nunavut or another Canadian jurisdiction and have criminal law experience, strong advocacy skills, and experience representing clients with complex legal issues. The role also requires sound knowledge of relevant Canadian criminal legislation and procedure, strong communication and judgment, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively with vulnerable clients and colleagues.

Benefits

• Vacation Travel Allowance
• Subsidized Housing
• RRSP Matching
• Generous Vacation Allocation
• Yearly Professional Development
• Northern Allowance

Listed skills

• Microsoft 365 · Preferred
• SharePoint · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Criminal Law
• Legal Advocacy
• Client Representation
• Legal Advice
• Bail Hearings
• Trial Advocacy
• Legal Research
• Legal Document Drafting
• Interview Techniques
• Knowledge of Criminal Procedure
• Knowledge of Rules of Evidence
• Client-Focused Problem-Solving
• Working with Vulnerable Clients
• Conflict Management
• Microsoft 365
• SharePoint

Job areas

• Legal
• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector