Description :
African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) is accepting applications for a Managing Lawyer, Criminal Division.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Managing Lawyer will provide oral and written advocacy for the Legal Services - Criminal Division clients at the ANSJI. The Managing Lawyer will report directly to the Executive Director. The Managing Lawyer will possess knowledge and experience in criminal law, administrative law, and social justice litigation and/or policy reform, primarily focusing on proceedings before the criminal courts in Nova Scotia.
The Managing Lawyer will provide free independent legal information and advice to ANSJI’s target population. The Managing Lawyer will assist in providing access to justice as persons navigate quasi-legal bodies such as proceedings before the Human Rights Commission of Nova Scotia.
The Managing Lawyer will work collaboratively with paralegals, law students, and volunteers of the Criminal Division. The Managing Lawyer will also oversee initiatives related to research and public legal education and deliver presentations on behalf of the Criminal Division.
The Managing lawyer will provide management, guidance, and leadership to the staff in the legal services- criminal pillar.
ANSJI Mandate:
To address issues of systemic racism in the justice system that negatively impact African Nova Scotians while ensuring fair, legal and constitutional treatment of all African Nova Scotian community members.
ANSJI Vision:
To create programs and services that adequately address institutional racism faced by African Nova Scotians and their families when dealing with human rights complaints, the justice system, all forms of law enforcement and incarceration. The ANSJI will be a place African Nova Scotians can turn to when seeking legal advice, guidance and advocacy that understands African Nova Scotians as a distinct people. Government, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and community groups will look to the ANSJI as a leader in legal research, advocacy and education on justice issues affecting African Nova Scotian communities.
Reporting Structure: The Managing Lawyer will report to the Executive Director.
Key responsibilities of the ANSJI Managing Lawyer, Criminal Division:
Qualifications and Skills
Working Environment
Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
Successful applicants are required to provide a Criminal Record Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search) before starting employment. While it is mandatory to submit a criminal record check, possessing a criminal record does not automatically eliminate you from being selected as the successful candidate.
Given the specific requirements of the job, certain criminal records may be deemed unsuitable for consideration as part of the selection process for the successful candidate.
Hours of Work: Hours of work are typically Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30pm (flexibility on start and end times) but some evening and weekend work may be required. ANSJI operates within a traditional work environment and anticipates that a significant portion of the work will be conducted within the community.
Holidays: Holiday pay is paid to all full-time and part-time employees in accordance with the Nova Scotia Labor Standards Code. ANSJI observes the following holidays:
Vacation: The Employee will be granted fifteen (15) days of vacation per annum and will be taken at agreed upon times by the Employee and Employer. Additionally, there are two designated "shut down" periods one in the summer and one in the winter months during which you will have time off. The Employee will be notified of these shut down periods in advance.
Probation Period: Successful candidates will undergo a 3-month probationary period to assess performance and suitability for continued employment.
Start date: To be determined by the Executive Director.
Pension: Upon completion of the mandatory probationary period, the employee will be permitted to join ANSJI RRSP pension matching program if interested, but this is not mandatory
Benefits: The Employee will be eligible to enroll in the ANSJI benefits program after successfully completing the probationary period. The benefits are mandatory unless waived by the insurance company if the Employee has comparable coverage.
We invite all applicants to submit a completed application consisting of a resume/CV and cover letter. Please submit your expression of interest to the ANSJI Operations Manager, Sarah Upshaw, at [email protected] subject line: Staff Lawyer, this position is open until filled.