COMPANY OVERVIEW
Over fifty years ago, a group of law students wanted to change access to legal services for the many people experiencing poverty and/or homelessness in Calgary. These students saw a growing need for legal support and wanted to help people experiencing the most significant barriers and vulnerable circumstances. Pre-dating Legal Aid Alberta, Calgary Legal Guidance was created through their vision in 1972. Calgary Legal Guidance is known as the first pro bono legal clinic in Alberta. Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG) plays an important role in Alberta’s justice sector and increases access to justice through free legal programs and services to thousands of people every year. All programs and services are designed to support Calgarians who face financial and other barriers to accessing legal services. As a non-profit organization, CLG offers a wide range of legal support, including legal information, advice, and assistance in areas not provided by Legal Aid Alberta.
THE ROLE
The law can affect individuals differently as they age and their circumstances change. In the Elder Law Program, CLG helps older adults understand their legal rights and plan for the future in ways that protect their interests, wishes and rights. The Elder Law Program Lawyer assists individuals with free decision-making planning and legal documents primarily including personal directives, wills and enduring Powers of Attorney. Along with document assistance the Elder Law Program Lawyer supports the presentation of legal information and providing advice in community settings. The Elder Law Program Lawyer works as part of a collaborative team that provides legal education and connection to resources to meet their social needs.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Responsible for managing an appropriate case load of clients to meet program targets and objectives.
- Provide legal information, advice, and assistance related to end-of-life planning and the preparation of decision-making documents.
- Conduct legal research, and prepare documents such as personal directives, wills and enduring Powers of Attorney.
- Maintain client documentation including case notes and documents as per CLG practice guidelines.
- Apply trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and intersectional frameworks when communicating and problem solving with program clients.
- Remain current in elder law.
- Remain current on relevant research and information regarding issues specific to vulnerable populations, including elder abuse, family dynamics and aging.
- Demonstrate a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and ability to collaborate with Indigenous program staff to support the unique needs of Indigenous clients accessing the Elder Law Program.
- Assist with internal and external training, speaking opportunities, and events as required. • Attend various meetings and workshops as a representative of CLG as required.
- Provide public legal education at workshops and information sessions as required.
- Assist in the creation of legal education materials for community presentations by the Elder Law Advocate and community partners.
- Work in close collaboration with the Managing Counsel, Elder Law Advocate, and Legal Assistant to provide high-quality legal support to clients.
- Work with community partners and provide connections to appropriate resources related to non-legal issues that support the wellbeing of older adults.
- Maintain contact and interact with administrative staff, other employees, and various external partner organizations.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate must possess the following skills, experience and qualifications:
- A law degree from an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Membership or eligible for membership as a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
- 5+ years of experience in Elder Law and Estate Planning.
- Ability to communicate and problem-solve with clients from various backgrounds, identities and experiences, including low-income older adults with unique circumstances.
- A collaborative approach to case work with a focus on client experience and reducing barriers to service delivery.
- Experience in working with people who have experienced trauma including intergenerational, systemic and/or elder abuse.
- Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters.
- Commitment to recognizing client agency, and to meet clients where they are, without judgment.
- Must possess strong interpersonal and conflict management skills, and an ability to have open and productive communication with team members, other staff, clients, family members and community partners.
- Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- The Elder Law program operates advice clinics on-site, off-site, or remotely as appropriate, and clients are given the choice to attend remotely or in-person. Capacity and willingness to provide hybrid legal services is expected.
- Excellent organizational / time management skills.
- Proficiency in Windows-based software and client management technology.
- The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (PICVSS).
WHAT WE OFFER
Salary range is $85,000 - $105,000 per annum and will be commensurate with years since bar call. A comprehensive benefits package is also provided.
Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG) is proud of our fun, diverse, professional, and energetic workplace culture. We offer a healthy and positive career-life balance that values the contribution of all staff. We invite all qualified candidates to apply.
Please forward your resume and cover letter as a single PDF document to the attention of the Hiring Team via email at [email protected] no later than Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Failure to follow these instructions will result in disqualification from the recruitment process.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. No direct messages or phone calls, please.
