Outreach Lawyer

The Legal Aid Commission is hiring an Outreach Lawyer based in Yellowknife. This position offers a blend of autonomy and collaboration, with the support of an experienced court worker to assist in running the program. As part of your duties, you will provide free, confidential legal advice to individuals on a range of issues, including housing disputes, income support and disability claims, family law, child protection matters, wills and estates, and employment rights. Regular travel throughout the Northwest Territories ensures you will make a meaningful impact in both urban and remote communities.

In addition to your outreach work, you will serve as Duty Counsel for child protection and family law matters in Territorial Court and Supreme Court, ensuring unrepresented individuals receive crucial legal assistance in these sensitive areas. This role is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer who values independence, enjoys diverse legal challenges, and wants to be part of a team committed to improving access to justice. If you are ready to take on a role that offers professional growth, community impact, and the adventure of the North, we would love to hear from you.

The Staff Lawyer Outreach - IV is located in Yellowknife and reports to the Executive Director, Legal Aid Commission. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides that people who have significant interests at stake in the justice system are entitled to state-funded counsel.

The Legal Aid Commission is established by the Legal Aid Act to provide to qualifying NWT residents authorized legal advice and services. Staff Lawyers employed by the Legal Aid Commission adhere to the Mission of the Department of Justice to protect and promote the rights and safety of all people in the NWT with efficient and responsive justice programs and services.

The Outreach Legal Aid Clinic provides point in time advice to people appearing before Court without representation; it operates in a wide range of areas such as providing legal advice and same day representation in court in the areas of family law and child protection matters as Duty Counsel. Outreach Clinic services are provided throughout the NWT on a rotational travel basis, taking into account resources, Community needs and requests.

The position is required to administer the financial and human resources of the Outreach Clinic program, ensuring that services are provided in an equitable manner, both directly and through subordinate staff.

Typically the above qualifications would be obtained by a Law degree and membership with the NWT Bar and 10 years¿ experience as legal counsel practicing in family law, experience working in a legal clinic environment and experience in an outreach setting.