Description
Job Summary
The Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic is seeking a thoughtful, compassionate, and motivated lawyer to join our team as a Staff Lawyer. This role is ideal for someone who values access to justice, community-based lawyering, and a more balanced, flexible approach to legal practice than the traditional firm model.
This is not a high-pressure billable-hours environment. It is a place where you can practice law thoughtfully, build meaningful client relationships, and develop your skills across multiple areas of law — while still having a life outside of work.
What You’ll Do
As a Staff Lawyer, you will provide legal assistance to individuals facing legal and financial barriers across Central Alberta. Your work may include:
- Providing legal advice, brief services, limited-scope assistance, and representation where appropriate, in accordance with the Clinic’s mandate
- Supporting clients through advice clinics, follow-up services, and referrals in a respectful and trauma-informed manner
- Managing a diverse caseload with autonomy and professional judgment over how files are handled
- Maintaining clear, accurate, and organized file documentation
- Recording time and activities in line with Clinic and funder requirements (no billable targets)
- Participating in outreach initiatives and public legal education as needed
- Working collaboratively with a supportive team of lawyers, staff, volunteers, and community partners
- Contributing ideas to improve clinic services, processes, and overall client experience
What Makes This Role Different
Working at the Clinic offers a style of practice that many lawyers find refreshing:
- Exposure to multiple practice areas rather than a narrow specialty
- The ability to decline matters that fall outside your capacity or comfort level
- A collegial, relaxed, and non-hierarchical work environment
- Strong professional relationships with local firms, creating informal mentorship and referral opportunities
- Meaningful client impact without the constant pressure of firm economics
This role is particularly well-suited to early-career lawyers looking to gain broad experience, as well as mid-career lawyers seeking a more sustainable and values-aligned practice.
What We’re Looking For
- Member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta
- Experience or a genuine interest in one or more of the following areas: family law, civil litigation, wills and estates
- Experience in employment law is an asset
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- A client-centred, culturally competent, and trauma-informed approach to practice
- Comfort working independently while also being part of a collaborative team
- Experience with clinic-based practice, outreach, or public legal education is an asset
- Knowledge of Central Alberta community resources is an asset
- Proficiency in an additional language is an asset
Why Work With Us
- Fixed work hours that support real worklife balance
- Comprehensive benefits package and RSP matching
- Generous time off, including 15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and paid holidays
- Supportive and approachable leadership
- Friendly, easygoing workplace culture
- Centrally located Red Deer office with covered underground parking
- The opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives without burning out
Salary will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications.
If you are looking for meaningful legal work, professional autonomy, and a healthier pace of practice, we would love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary range: $80,000 to $110,000 annually
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Work from home
