Volunteer Lawyer

Calgary Homeless Foundation; Calgary; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A legal services organization in Calgary seeks volunteer lawyers to provide free legal advice to women and gender-diverse people through individual sessions or workshops. Applicants must be accredited and practicing lawyers in Alberta, with a commitment of two hours per month. This role allows for some remote delivery and focuses on empathetic communication, with an understanding of social issues related to gender-based violence.

Qualifications

• Actively practicing in family, estate, immigration, civil or criminal law.
• Ability to work with women of diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of gender-based violence and family breakdown.

Responsibilities

• Provide free legal advice to women and gender-diverse people.
• Conduct individual sessions or workshops.

Skills

Empathetic listening

Communication skills

Education

Accreditation as a practicing lawyer in Alberta

Job description

Overview

In coordination with the Women’s Centre team, volunteer lawyers provide free legal advice to women and gender-diverse people through individual sessions or workshops. The sessions aim to provide a starting point to those accessing the legal system. Volunteers do not provide legal representation and are required to maintain confidentiality.

The Women’s Centre is registered as an Approved Legal Service Provider. This means volunteer lawyers who are otherwise exempt from indemnity coverage are covered for volunteer legal services.

Role Requirements

• Actively practicing in family, estate, immigration, civil or criminal law.
• Ability to work with women of diverse backgrounds.
• A basic understanding of relevant social issues including but not limited to gender-based violence, family breakdown, and child maltreatment.
• Excellent empathetic listening and communication skills.
• Time commitment: two hours per month.
• Must be a member in good standing with the Alberta Bar Association.
• Must have accreditation as a practicing lawyer in Alberta.

Assets

• Bilingualism.
• An understanding of trauma-informed practices.

Working Conditions

This volunteer opportunity is primarily in-person and onsite at the Women’s Centre of Calgary. Some remote delivery is available on an as-needed basis.

Compliance

Program volunteers undergo: 1) a police information check with a vulnerable sector search; and 2) reference checks.