Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Counsel in Calgary, Canada

The Law Society of Alberta is the self-governing body for Alberta’s lawyers with a mandate to regulate the profession in the public interest. As a regulator, the Law Society sets standards and enforces those standards for Alberta lawyers.

If you are guided by a passion to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within the legal profession, this position at the Law Society of Alberta will appeal to you.

Job Description – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Counsel

Alberta is growing increasingly diverse, and the legal profession faces many challenges in meeting the legal needs of all Albertans. A bar that includes representation from all communities that make up the province will be better able to meet the public’s needs. Understanding and appreciation of differences and experiences also improves the quality of legal services. The Law Society has an important role to play in assisting lawyers and the public in meeting these challenges.

To meet these needs, the Law Society of Alberta is currently hiring an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Counsel to join their dynamic team. As a key member of the Education team, the EDI Counsel will work with key stakeholders on initiatives and programs related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession.

Through these programs, the Law Society will enhance lawyer competence in Alberta, support legal organizations in fostering safe, equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces, and ensure lawyers in Alberta have the resources and skills necessary to provide competent and inclusive legal services to the public.

Success in this position requires excellent project management, communication, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, problem solving and time management skills.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• With the Manager, develop business plans in support of the equity, diversity, and inclusion goals identified in the Law Society’s strategic plan.
• Identify, develop, recommend, and deliver programs, educational material and practice resources that support equity, diversity and inclusion within the Law Society, in the profession and in the provision of legal services generally. As necessary, liaise with internal and/or external experts and resources.
• Communicate and collaborate with equity-seeking groups both within the legal profession and among the public to identify areas where the Law Society could make impactful change with respect to equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as discrimination and harassment.
• Support and advise the Bencher Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee on the development and roll out of initiatives and programs.
• As part of the Education team, support other education programs and initiatives as needed, including providing support to the Law Society’s Indigenous initiatives, wellness, and competence initiatives.
• Liaise with the Law Society’s Equity Ombudspeople on issues relating to discrimination and harassment in the legal profession for the purposes of addressing those issues through Law Society resource and programs. The Equity Ombudspeople provide confidential advice to members of the profession who have observed or experienced instances of discrimination or harassment in their workplace and facilitate informal resolution of such disputes.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities related to assigned programs.
• Develop and maintain subject matter expertise related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and discrimination, harassment and safe workplace practices. Conduct risk assessments; identify systemic barriers; support policy development; and recommend strategies to advance work in these areas. Implement approved recommendations.
• Identify and implement innovative approaches to improving lawyer competence in these areas, including the relationship to lawyer well-being, through continuing professional development.
• Communicate and collaborate with key stakeholders and internal departments to identify risk and assess needs that can be addressed through education programming, policies and initiatives.
• Keep current model policies regarding safe and equitable workplaces and provide assistance to legal organizations in implementing them.
• Support the Law Society in national and inter-provincial initiatives with respect to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion issues, as well as initiatives related to the prevention of, and education about, discrimination and harassment in the legal profession.
• Contribute to shifting the culture of the Law Society away from an organization focused largely on disciplining lawyers to one that provides assistance and support to lawyers.

Education and Professional Skills/Knowledge

• LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent).
• Good standing with a Canadian Law Society.
• Minimum of 7+ years of practice experience or similar experience within the legal community.
• Education, training, and/or certification in issues relating to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience in a self-regulated environment.
• Demonstrated interest and experience in engaging with equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Experience in designing and delivering educational material and programs.
• Ability to interact with the profession, Law Society committees and Benchers, and internal departments to achieve change and engage stakeholders.
• Strong team building, organizational and communication skills with an ability to gain consensus.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of lawyers, executives, managers, staff, and subject matter experts.
• Capable of independent decision-making.
• Interested in and capable of growing to meet additional challenges that may be added to this position over time.
• Occasional travel within Alberta is required.

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/1171

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