Alberta Lawyer - Junior

Position: Alberta Staff Lawyer - Junior - 1 year contract
Junior Staff Lawyer – Alberta Region
At A Glance

Location:

Calgary

Hours:

Full-time 35 weekly

Contract:

1-year with possible extension

Salary: $92,000-$104,000 annually, based on year of call

Program Area:
Climate

Reports to:

Managing Lawyer – Alberta Region

Office Requirement:
Hybrid (2 days) in office

Desired year of call: 1-3

About Us
As Canada’s largest environmental law charity, our mission is using the law to defend nature, combat the climate crisis, and fight for a healthy environment for all. To achieve this, Ecojustice does three things:

We go to court – Our lawyers represent citizens, environmental organizations, First Nations, sustainable businesses, labour organizations, and any other groups that share our mission.

We push for better laws – Our experts testify in front of committees and make recommendations to strengthen environmental legislation.

We engage the public – Our work highlights environmental issues and changes the conversation, forcing our leaders to sit up and listen.

Our Mission is why people join Ecojustice. People who choose to join us recognize that this planet is our most treasured inheritance, and it is our imperative to be good stewards for the generations who follow us. We believe in protecting the environment while having enough time off to enjoy it. If you are courageous, collaborative, and dedicated to the fight for a healthier environment, you will find your people here.

About

The Role
This 1-year contract position at Ecojustice as a Staff Lawyer is a great opportunity for a junior lawyer to take on a pivotal role in working with senior lawyers to hold fossil fuel companies to account. You’ll work on exciting litigation aimed at ensuring polluters pay for the cleanup of fossil fuel infrastructure. This role is deeply collaborative, partnering with Indigenous Nations, advocacy groups, and experts to advance environmental justice and protect communities from the risks of industrial pollution.

Your work will a judicial review challenging Alberta’s Mine Financial Security Program, which threatens to leave Albertans paying for abandoned wells and oil sands cleanup. You’ll also engage with partners like the Polluter Pays Project, Carbon Tracker Institute, and Coalition for Responsible Energy, contributing to legal strategies, public education, and outreach.

In addition, you’ll support other litigation and collaborate with Ecojustice’s lawyer team as needed, gaining exposure to a range of impactful environmental cases. If you’re passionate about using the law to drive systemic change and protect communities, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Responsibilities

Work on complex litigation in provincial and federal courts and tribunals

Support new and existing cases from start to finish

Support law reform and other work identified as priorities for Ecojustice

Contribute as a Program (Climate, Nature, Healthy Communities) team member by:

researching and developing files

contributing to development of Program teamwork-plans

helping to evaluate projects proposed to the team

Keep up-to-date on new developments in relevant areas of law, undertaking reasonable training to maximize expertise

Professional case management and file management

Collaborate with supporting communications staff to develop communication opportunities

Attend and participate at fundraising or other profile-raising events (external/internal)

Role Success
We are currently working to embed our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into all aspects of our organization.

Requirements for this role include:

Juris Doctor (JD)

Member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta

Demonstrated strength in research and investigation skills

Understanding or experience in matters before a trial court, appellate court or government tribunals

Ability to explain legal and scientific information written and verbally

Experience or training in administrative, environmental, Indigenous or Aboriginal law is an asset

Strong initiative to research, develop and run cases with a team, with partner groups, as a team lead, or independently

Commitment to working in a team environment, across disciplines, with…