Conduct Counsel in Calgary, Canada

Our client, the Law Society of Alberta, is a respected leader in the regulation of the legal profession, committed to serving the public interest and upholding the highest standards of ethics, competence, and professionalism among lawyers. Guided by its strategic vision and mission, the Law Society plays a vital role in maintaining trust and accountability within the legal system.

Through its comprehensive complaint resolution processes and proactive initiatives, the Law Society ensures that lawyers meet their professional obligations, fostering confidence in the legal community and its practices. Known for its collaborative and forward-thinking approach, the organization works closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including members of the public, legal professionals, businesses, and institutions, to uphold justice and fairness.

If you value integrity, innovation, and making a meaningful impact on the legal profession, the Law Society offers an environment that is both challenging and rewarding.

Job Description – Conduct Counsel

In alignment with the Law Society’s vision, mission, and strategic plan, the Conduct department provides a comprehensive complaint resolution system while acting as a model regulator. The Conduct department responds to complaints about lawyers that may come from the public, other lawyers, financial institutions or businesses. As a key member of the Conduct team, Conduct Counsel will review, analyze, summarize and process complaints and present recommendations to Conduct Committee Panels as required by the Legal Profession Act.

Essential attributes of the position include excellent communication, time management, sound ethical judgement and analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other Law Society departments.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Address complex legal issues and make decisions that impact the careers of lawyers
• Oversee assigned complaints and communicate with complainants, lawyers and relevant internal and external entities
• At each stage of the complaints process, assess risk and develop risk management strategies, seeking input from other departments as necessary to ensure a coordinated Law Society response. Steps may include directing an investigation, referring a matter to Practice Review, and/or making an application that a lawyer be suspended on an interim basis
• Analyze each assigned file to ascertain potential areas of misconduct, frame potential citations where appropriate, and obtain evidence and information. Provide legal advice to investigators including assessment and sufficiency of evidence
• Prepare for and attend Court for production orders
• Prepare for and attend Single Bencher hearings, Resignation hearings, and other applications/hearings that arise during the complaints process
• Apply legal analysis and judgment to evaluate the conduct of the lawyer as it relates to the Act, the Rules of the Law Society or the Code of Conduct, specifically to determine whether the threshold test has been met. As necessary, either prepare a dismissal letter to explain the decision to dismiss to the complainant; or prepare a memorandum to the Conduct Committee outlining the basis for the legal opinion that the threshold test has been met and recommending next steps in the discipline process
• Present legal opinion and recommendations to Conduct Committee Panels, answer any questions, and provide legal advice regarding potential actions
• Policy work on guidelines, protocols and rules that relate to the complaints process
• Other tasks as assigned

Education and Professional Skills/Knowledge

• Law degree and call to the Bar, required.
• Member of, or eligible for membership with, the Law Society of Alberta, required.
• 5+ years of experience in private practice with significant client exposure in broad areas of law. A background in litigation is considered an asset.
• Training in mediation considered an asset.
• Demonstrated advanced written and oral communication skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a dynamic team.
• Ability to develop legal strategy and objectives.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with lawyers, members of the public and others interacting with the Law Society; maintaining a confident, professional, calm and respectful demeanor even in complicated, demanding, and difficult situations.
• Ability to prioritize workloads, work under pressure, and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Interested in and capable of growing to meet additional challenges that may be added to this position over time.

This is an exclusive search.

The Counsel Network, a Caldwell company, is committed to building a diverse legal community through our inclusive business and recruitment practices. We value diversity of experience, expertise, and background, and strive to eliminate barriers historically encountered by marginalized groups. We recognize that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce benefits and enriches both the legal profession and the greater community.

For more information or to apply for this position, contact:

Meaghan Loughry, Consultant
mloughry@caldwell.com
647.417.4720
Connect with me on LinkedIn

To apply for this position: caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1206

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