Managing Lawyer Position – Antigonish

/in /by

MANAGING LAWYER

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

 

Managing Lawyer:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic individual to join our team in Antigonish! The ideal candidate will offer expert consultation on our comprehensive NSLAC Program, handling a diverse client caseload that includes a primary focus on Family practice, with opportunities to engage in Criminal, Duty Counsel, and Social Justice Summary Advice. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you’ll play a crucial role as a key resource for our Executive and staff and collaborate with external stakeholders on important subject matter issues and objectives. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and thrive in a vibrant community setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

What Antigonish has to Offer:
The town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, is a rural community rich in unique heritage, with strong cultural roots stemming from the highlands of Scotland, the Acadian French, the Irish Loyalists, the Black Loyalists, and the Mi’kmaq, who originally occupied this territory. This diverse history is celebrated throughout the county, enhancing its vibrant community spirit. The scenic beauty of Antigonish County is truly captivating, featuring stunning coastlines, beaches, parks, trails, and nature sites.

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 most vulnerable and historically disadvantaged. Examples of our focus includes our Indigenous Justice Initiative and our focus on Social Justice to assist with those whose income or housing are at risk. In 2015, Nova Scotia Legal Aid was awarded the CBA NS Excellency in Equity and Diversity Award.

Access to Legal Aid ensures that all Nova Scotians have their rights and freedoms protected and get a fair hearing in a court of law.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manages a regional office and carries out the administrative functions necessary to ensure the regional office operates within the Mandate of the NSLAC to deliver quality legal services to Nova Scotians who qualify for such services.
  • Provides management, guidance and leadership to the staff in the regional office and ensures implementation of NSLAC policy and Executive direction.
  • Participates in the overall management of NSLAC by providing input to the Executive and the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:

  • Strong supervisory and management skills in leading, coaching and directing of lawyers and support staff, solid computer skills together with a good understanding of the use of new technologies within a dynamic work environment.
  • Excellent resource management skills with experience in effectively and efficiently allocating people and resources to achieve goals.
  • Excellent financial management skills, with experience in managing and controlling budgets and expenditures.
  • Excellent skills in the areas of planning, organizing, analyzing, case management and administering processes, initiatives and information to achieve goals.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills focused on achieving continuous improvement.
  • Ability to make sound decisions that balance quality and timeliness with a full appreciation for their impact beyond own area of responsibility.
  • Excellent leadership skills with a proven track record for setting clear expectations, providing meaningful coaching and feedback, and creating an environment where employees are motivated and able to do their best.
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and change management skills with a proven track record for securing the energy and commitment of others.
  • Ability to foster effective working relationships with peers, subordinates and external contacts and to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
  • Experience in presenting legal information and interpretation to both legal and lay audiences, especially in providing written submissions both within the organization and to external authorities.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing, including working interculturally and with Community Stakeholders.
  • Management/supervisory experience is an asset.

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) for a minimum of five years
  • Extensive experience at every level of court

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 the 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.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Type of Employment:  1-year term Contract with an opportunity for permanency
Location: Antigonish – 70 West Street, Suite 2
Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy, based on relevant experience and includes Managing Lawyer compensation
Closing Date:  September 17, 2024 at 4:30 pm