Area Director Valley-Goose Bay

Position: Area Director (Permanent) - Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Location: Central Labrador (Happy Valley-Goose Bay)

We are currently seeking an Area Director (Staff Solicitors and Legal Administrative Staff as direct reports) to fill an immediate vacancy in our Happy Valley-Goose Bay Area Office.
The successful candidate will act as delegate for the Provincial Director's Office in the provision of Legal Aid Services within Happy Valley-Goose Bay while ensuring compliance with the Legal Aid Act, Regulations and the Policy Manual of the Commission.
The successful candidate will have a wide range of responsibilities including but not limited to:
Responsibility for directing the development of staff solicitor resources and general assignment of staff solicitors
Responsibility for the assignment of work and determination of work priorities for staff solicitors and legal administrative staff
Providing mentorship and counselling to staff solicitors in various areas of law
Providing oversight and direction to staff solicitors and legal administrative staff
Acting as delegate of the Provincial Director in the delivery of Legal Aid Services in office area and ensures compliance with Legal Aid Act, Regulations and Policy Manual in relation to internal processes and procedures including but not limited to:  Requests for Change of Solicitor
Notices of Intention to Cancel
Deciding whether to grant requests for annual leave and preparation of short notice leave forms when required
Travel Authorizations
Travel claims
Court Call
Expense Authorizations

Overseeing Intake process:  Making determinations and / or providing guidance to staff solicitors as to case merit
Making determinations as to financial eligibility including payment agreements
Ensuring that appointments are timely

Maintaining Criminal Queue - case merits and file assignment
Maintaining Case Assignment Queue - case merits and file assignment
Assessing potential conflicts of interest
Reviewing of staff solicitors monthly LAMIS reports and taking appropriate action:  Time Usage Analysis Report
Active Certificates Statistics Report
Pending Report

Conducting Performance Reviews and/or Practice Reviews of staff solicitors and legal administrative staff
Conducting/providing for staff solicitors mentoring and training as necessary
Receipt and recording of first level Appeals and reassessment of decision when appropriate
Assigning staff solicitors to office duties such as Duty Counsel and Office Counsel
Addressing client complaints regarding staff solicitors
Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation such as Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) and Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Act (WHSCC)
carrying out other initiatives and projects as may be required
The successful candidate will also have an active, though reduced, case load as a Staff Solicitor.
Candidates must hold a Law Degree from a recognized school of law, be members in good standing with the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Minimum 5 years' at the bar is required with extensive experience in the areas of Family and Criminal Law. Candidates must have strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle difficult situations and problem solve as needed.

Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail is a must, along with a strong work ethic and the ability to take initiative. Additionally, candidates must possess a positive attitude, a passion for providing service and high standards of ethics, professionalism and confidentiality and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast paced and challenging legal environment. Experience in a managerial role would be considered an asset
The successful candidate will be required to provide a Certificate of Conduct with Vulnerable Sector Check prior to commencing employment.
Employees of the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission are covered under the Provincial Government's Pension and Health Plan. Optional Dental and Disability Plans are also available.
The salary for this position is based on the Solicitor V Pay Scale ($141,490 to $186,762 annually) plus northern benefits.
by 4:00pm on Friday October 30th, 2026.