Legal Counsel

Health Shared Services (HHS) has a fantastic in-house opportunity to join a collegial team of 7 other labour and employment lawyers, reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Labour & Employment (AGC), and be part of a larger in-house legal team. Health Shared Services provides legal services to Provincial Health Agencies (Recovery Alberta, Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, and Assisted Living Alberta) and Provincial Health Corporations (including Alberta Health Services, Emergency Health Services and Cancer Care Alberta) across the Province of Alberta, representing over 140,000 unionized and non-unionized employees. Preferred location of the position is in either Calgary or Edmonton, with some travel required across Alberta. Hybrid work arrangement available. Requests to work in other cities within Alberta will be considered for the right candidates. Members in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta, or eligible for registration, are welcome to apply for this career opportunity.

The Legal Counsel, Labour & Employment (Legal Counsel) represents Provincial Health Agencies and Provincial health Corporations before arbitrators in labour arbitration hearings, administrative tribunals and Court, throughout the Province; is accountable for assigned legal files, matters or issues; and works with clients and witnesses in preparation for hearings. The Legal Counsel provides accurate, concise, and practical advice to internal clients and stakeholders to address specific facts and legal issues which may be of complex and sensitive nature, while supporting the service delivery model, guiding principles and vision of the HHS and Legal & Privacy Department. Legal Counsel must be knowledgeable in applicable legislation as well as the applicable collective agreements and common law. While outlining rights, obligations and liabilities to all parties involved, the Legal Counsel also handles inquiries from clients independently, escalating to the AGC as appropriate. Critical to the role is the ability to formulate legal solutions and balance business requirements against legal risks.

A member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta entitled to practice in Alberta. With a Law degree from a recognized university and a minimum of 5 years of legal practice, you have experience with labour, employment, human rights and privacy in a unionized environment. You have knowledge and experience with applicable legislation including the Alberta Labour Relations Code, Employment Standards Code, and the Alberta Human Rights Act. The equivalencies in experience may be considered.

In addition to excellent legal, analytical and advocacy skills, you have superior communication skills, strong organizational and influential skills, client-focused orientation and commitment to providing quality services. You are also creative and innovative in providing solutions. You are motivated to learn, independent, a self-starter with a strong commitment to operating within a team environment and able to work with others to achieve common goals.

Previous experience representing clients in the public sector, administrative tribunals, arbitrations or litigation, and experience in a unionized environment is an asset. Any additional experience in immigration or employment M&A is a bonus.