Family Law Lawyer/Assistant Senior Counsel 

Family Law Lawyer/Assistant Senior Counsel Overview Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG) is a charitable society established in 1972 to provide legal advice and assistance to low‐income people with family, criminal, immigration, civil and other poverty law matters that are not covered by Legal Aid. CLG offers specific programs in the areas of domestic violence, family law, homelessness, seniors’ issues, social benefits and immigration. The Family Law Program (formerly known as the domestic violence legal intervention program) is a multi‐disciplinary team which offers a client‐centered approach to effectively support disadvantaged and marginalized clients. The team deals with all family law related topics as well as providing legal information, legal education and court preparation services. The team, working in coordination with the other CLG staff and volunteers delivers services through outreach summary advice clinics and direct office based services. The Role This is a permanent, full time legal position reporting to the Senior Managing Counsel. The successful candidate will lead the Family Law team, be responsible for the development and delivery of legal services through volunteer clinics, direct legal representation and public education. Additionally, the position calls for the provision of assistance and support to the Senior Managing Counsel in providing guidance to and supervision of junior counsel and articling students, in making and implementing policy and in managing the day‐to‐day operations of the legal programs. Specific responsibilities include the following:  Maintaining well‐documented files in relation to all legal advice given, preparing court documents and providing legal representation to eligible clients  Reviewing legal advice and information provided at volunteer delivered legal clinics and following up on matters where appropriate  Providing legal advice and representation on family law matters including child and spousal support, custody and access, parenting orders and spousal and child support  Providing legal advice and information on domestic violence matters including Emergency Protection Orders, QB Protection Orders and assisting victims of domestic violence understand the court process  Preparing and presenting legal information to volunteer lawyers, service providers and the public  Developing and maintaining partnerships with relevant community stakeholders including aboriginal and immigrant communities  Assisting in the development of policies and procedures in the program 
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Completing research and remaining current on legislation and precedents in family law practice Developing strategies for public legal education, including workshops, clinics and other presentations Providing assistance and support to the Senior Managing Counsel, including implementing policy, development of programs and initiatives, supervising staff and representing the organization through liaison with the legal and community at large Required Qualifications  Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor received from an accredited Law School  Law Society of Alberta Membership, in good standing or eligibility for LSA membership  5 ‐ 8 years of legal experience primarily in family law  Leadership experience, including supervising articling students is highly desirable  Experience working with clients with multiple challenges and/or domestic violence history Personal Characteristics  Understand the challenges of assisting marginalized and disadvantaged populations  Professional with strong time management and organizational skills  Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish effective working relationship both internally and externally  Compassionate and patient  Ability to set and communicate goals; delegate; give useful feedback  Fearlessly take on all issues, challenges and people; confront and work through conflict; be energized by tough challenges What we Offer  Professional, respectful workplace  Competitive salary  Comprehensive employer paid retirement, health and benefits package Closing Date: Monday, November 17, 2014 at 12:00 (NOON). Please forward your resume to the attention of the Executive Director at clged@clg.ab.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.