Staff Lawyer

Job 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 work–life 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

Work Location : In person