Legal Aid NL is an innovative, collaborative legal aid system that responds to the needs of low income persons by promoting access to justice through the provision of quality legal assistance for criminal, family and some administrative law matters. Services are provided through a staff based delivery model via twelve full service offices and four project offices in the province.

We are seeking a self-motivated and highly competent individual to immediately fill the position of Director of Legal Services - Provincial Director's Office (Permanent).

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Deputy Provincial Director - Legal Services, this position will enhance the quality of service provided to clients through the operationalization of service delivery initiatives, creation of efficiencies, and development of client service standards. The position will support the administration of the Legal Aid Act and the Regulations thereunder, and help achieve organizational goals and objectives. This position is part of the senior management team of Legal Aid NL.

Accountabilities and Job Duties:

• Oversight of Legal Services Framework
• Develop and implement client service standards for programs and services
• Develop continuous improvement programs to streamline operations and standardize work practices
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics and reports
• Monitor and analyze commission wide statistics and trends
• Oversee case management system initiatives and enhancements (LAMIS)

Delivery of Legal Services:

• Adjudicate requests relating to change of solicitor and cancellation of legal aid certificates
• Review and assess merits of requests relating to authorization to employ outside experts
• Conduct taxations of internal statements of account
• Coordinate planning and delivery of Brydges (after hour) services
• Assist with file allocation decisions, reviews of conflicts of interest, and appeals
• Act as a resource for Area Directors/Project Leads on operational issues
• Investigate and resolve client complaints
• Oversee the day to day operations of the Equity Program, such as assessment of applications

Management:

• Participate in selection, hiring and orientation of new employees
• Assist with completing practice and probationary reviews of solicitors
• Act as back-up to the Deputy Provincial Director - Legal services, as required

Other:

• Provide legal opinions, and act as a resource for Staff Solicitors on operational issues
• Act as a legal team member on special projects and committees
• Perform such other duties, and assist in such other projects and initiatives, as assigned, including from time to time major files

Position Qualifications:

• A Law Degree from a recognized School of Law
• A member (or ability to become a member) in good standing with the Law Society of NL
• 15 years called to the Bar preferred, with significant experience in criminal and family law. Experience in Administrative law would be considered an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Law Society Act and Rules, Code of Professional Conduct, the Legal Aid Act and the Regulations thereunder
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships
• Superior communication and active listening skills
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong report writing skills
• Experience in adjudicating matters would be considered an asset
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to diffuse conflict situations by utilizing effective conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of the principles and practices related to file audits would be considered an asset
• Above average proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel)

Salary and Benefits:

Legal Aid NL offers a competitive salary and benefit package. This senior management position has a salary range from $112,541 - $163,387. In addition, the position offers comprehensive pension and health benefits coverage.

The position is based in St. John's and may require travel within the province to Area Offices and Project Offices.

Interested applicants should send resumes to [email protected] no later than 4:00pm Monday March 10th, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.