Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a permanent full time Criminal Litigator in our Edmonton or Calgary office. This position will appeal to an individual that likes to take initiative, is client focused and is exceptionally strong in delivering high-quality results.

Advocate for Justice. Change Lives. Strengthen Communities.
At Legal Aid Alberta, we believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances.

As a Criminal Litigator, you will be more than a lawyer. You will be a trusted advocate, a skilled courtroom professional, and a champion for individuals navigating the criminal justice system during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to build a sophisticated criminal law practice while making a meaningful difference in Alberta communities. Whether appearing at bail hearings, conducting trials, negotiating resolutions, or advising vulnerable clients, your work will have a direct impact on access to justice across the province.

If you are looking for a career that combines challenging litigation, skilled growth, and genuine purpose while maintaining a genuine work-life balance, we invite you to join our team.

Who We Are
As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Legal Aid Alberta provides affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defense. We are Alberta-wide, with 300 staff and 1,200 private practice lawyers helping people overcome their legal challenges in more than 75 communities across the province.

Who You Are

A passionate advocate who thrives in the courtroom

Committed to fairness, dignity, and access to justice

Compassionate, client-centred, and culturally aware

Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

A collaborative team member who values mentorship and continuous learning

Motivated by meaningful work and public service





Job Description
Reporting to the Legal Services Manager - Criminal Trial Group, some of the key responsibilities include:

Represent clients charged with criminal offences at all stages of the court process

Conduct bail hearings, pleas, sentencing hearings, trials, review matters, and appeals

Develop and execute effective litigation strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances

Provide practical, clear, and compassionate legal advice

Advocate for clients before the Alberta Court of Justice, Court of King's Bench, and appellate courts as required

Prepare legal arguments, applications, briefs, and supporting documentationNegotiate effectively with Crown prosecutors and justice system partners

Build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds, including vulnerable and marginalized populations

Work collaboratively with colleagues, support staff, community agencies, and justice stakeholders

Maintain meticulous client files with attention to detail as it relates to time keeping, diarization and notation

Contribute to a culture of mentorship, learning, and professional excellence

Be prepared to travel on an ad hoc basis

Qualifications
Education and Experience

Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta, or eligibility for membership

Experience practicing exclusively criminal law for 2 years

Strong courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills

Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing abilities

Sound judgment, professionalism, and commitment to ethical practice





Ability to manage a busy and dynamic caseload

Experience representing clients from diverse backgrounds

Knowledge and Skills

Rules of Court and court proceedings

Thorough understanding of:

Criminal Code, including bail and sentencing provisions

Youth Criminal Justice Act

Controlled Drug and Substance Act

Criminal procedure in adult and youth court

Ability to build rapport and negotiate effectively with Crown Counsel

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively, especially with members of vulnerable populations

Advocacy, problem solving, communication, and negotiation skills

Well-developed conflict resolution skills

A high level of comfort working with technology and a keen enthusiasm for learning new systems including, computer literacy in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Teams, SharePoint), Alberta Court Criminal Scheduling Request Service (CSRS), web-based legal research tools, and other web-based resources

The ability to work with clients who have complex needs including physical or mental disability; substance abuse; or living situations that impede their ability to resolve legal matters

Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to circuit court locations

Annual Salary Range: $105,000 - $183,000

What We Offer: Perks of working with us

Genuine work/life balance

RRSP with 8% employer contribution

Health anddentalbenefits

Health and wellness accounts

Employee assistance program

3 weeks paid vacation plus bonus and professional days

Winter/Christmas closure (paid time off)

Hybrid work options

Law Society Membership and ALIA fees

Training and Professional Development opportunities

Team environment

Requirements
Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check and social media screening.

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📌 -56- Criminal Litigator (Alberta)
🏢 Legal Aid Alberta
📍 Alberta