Associate

Peter Sankoff is looking for a great lawyer to join his booming business, composed of Sankoff Criminal Law and Criminal Defence Essentials, in Edmonton.

This is your chance to do cutting edge criminal law work and get involved in some of the country’s biggest cases, while transforming into a superstar lawyer with a national reputation. You’ll get an education on legal writing, strategy and persuasion, and give up worrying about how many clients you need to carry and how much you bill. There is no criminal law firm quite like this one.

Peter is not just looking for an associate. He is looking for someone who will develop into a future partner (and co-author for book projects) and get involved in every aspect of the business. Applications will be accepted from lawyers in years 1-8 of practice. Peter is especially interested in anyone with clerking experience (with priority given to those who have clerked at the Supreme Court). Given the nature of Peter’s practice, Sankoff Criminal Law is unlikely to grow beyond 2-3 lawyers, and it is very possible this will be his last hire for some time, so take the opportunity now if it interests you.

Sankoff Criminal Law is not your average criminal defence firm. We focus primarily on appellate work, with only about 15% of our files arising at the trial level. Peter is in constant demand assisting lawyers from across Canada on complex legal matters, meaning that we get called in to help on some of the country’s most exciting cases. Peter also regularly appears in British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec, in addition to Alberta. He appears at the Supreme Court on a steady basis.

Through Criminal Defence Essentials, we also create legal seminars, case alerts and a whole range of other resources for the busy defence lawyer. You will help with all of these, and if you love thinking and discussing criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence, this job is for you. You get paid to research and write about just about any legal topic that interests you, guided by a top-notch appellate lawyer and scholar.

You will be very well compensated, reflecting your responsibility and the nature of the work we do. Starting salary will be determined by experience and qualifications, but a new 2024 call can expect a salary of at least $90000. Experienced lawyers will start at $100000-$180000 depending upon year of call.

In addition to salary, lawyers will get to travel to at least one out of Alberta hearing per year, and receive a year-end bonus (beginning in Year 2) calculated on the basis of individual and firm performance. Payment for conferences and other opportunities is also possible. For Year 1, lawyers received two weeks paid holiday (to be taken whenever) and time off from December 21- January 5. Paid vacation time increases with each extra year you spend at the firm. We regularly have firm outings, which includes Oilers games.

You will work hard, but with regular hours that include time for family and non-work interests. If your real love is being in a trial court every day, this job is not for you. You will start by handling a small trial practice (no more than 12 clients at a time), if you wish to do so. Your primary task is assisting Peter with his very busy practice and learning to handle your own cases (if you haven’t done so already). In this regard, you will:

• Conduct legal research;
• Write factums, bail applications, constitutional notices and other arguments;
• Work on some of our ongoing book projects;
• Assist in producing Case Alerts, the Beacon and more;
• Learn how to excel at trial and appellate work (first as second chair, and then with your own files – those with experience will progress more quickly).
• You will also be able to develop your own trial practice over time, if this is what you wish to do – but you will be under no pressure to “bring in your own clients”.
• Conduct trials and appeals (if you have experience doing so).

Attributes

The successful candidate MUST possess the following:

• Self-confidence and the motivation to become one of the country’s best criminal lawyers;
• The ability to take constructive criticism and feedback well;
• Not be allergic to or scared of dogs (we have an office dog!);
• The ability to work well with others;
• The confidence to work independently under direction;
• A law degree from a recognized Canadian university or NCA qualification;
• A passion and deep understanding of the nuances of criminal law, the law of evidence and criminal procedure;
• Strong writing skills;
• Strong legal research ability;
• Strong academic credentials (B+ average in law school or better).
• Live in Edmonton or be prepared to relocate (with moving expenses covered).

The following are advantage attributes, but you need not have them all:

• Dynamic, fun personality.
• Live in Edmonton or are prepared to relocate (with moving expenses covered).
• Be a member of the Law Society of Alberta.
• Completed a course in Animals and the Law; and,
• Knowledge of Alberta Legal Aid practices.

Please note that Peter is not taking articling students for 2024 or 2025.

Interested? Send a letter to info@sankoffcriminallaw.com that includes the following:

1. Why this ad interests you, and why you are the person Peter should hire (including how you meet the attributes required for the position)
2. Where you live, and, if it’s outside Edmonton, why you might be willing to relocate, or, if not, why you cannot;
3. Your passion for criminal law
4. Which of the “advantage” skills or attributes you possess.

All inquiries will be treated in confidence. Feel free to send any questions along before applying.

Please include your CV and law school transcripts.