Legal Counsel

Reporting to an Associate General Counsel, Health Law this position will have carriage of files to deliver practical, effective legal solutions on complex matters to designated clients in AHS. This position requires both expertise in health and privacy law. Expected to deliver quality health and privacy law advice on a cost effective basis to diverse client groups. Consulting with other professionals within AHS, as required, this position interprets client needs, assesses requirements, anticipates client needs and identifies solutions to complex, time-sensitive and standard issues and requests. Responsible for providing legal advice, outlining rights, obligations and liabilities in a succinct and coherent manner to AHS executive and staff. Due to the professional nature of this position, actual hours worked exceed those expected in a “regular” work week

Concerns Resolution Identifies and resolves service delivery, business, legal, and operational issues and raises them with the Associate General Counsel Handles health law matters independently Meets and advises clients including staff, middle and senior management on legal issues of a complex or sensitive nature Program Coordination Develops and applies standardized work methods, protocols, policies and procedures related to health law Leads as subject area expert in a highly technical legal field Supports customer service by ensuring practical and timely legal advice Collaboration within the Health Law Team and Legal & Privacy Research & Reporting Conducts legal research Prepares legal opinions independently File Management Accountable for files with little supervision, and works to meet changing needs and requirements while ensuring s/he supports the service delivery model, guiding principles and AHS values Keeps Associate General Counsel, Health Law up to date on the file progress Communication Supports commitment to the vision, values and core strategies for Legal & Privacy and AHS through effective communication and protocols Outlines rights, obligations and liabilities in a succinct and coherent manner Communication involves diversified, complex or controversial exchanges Develops education strategies Communicates with external contacts Relationship Management Fosters and maintains positive relationships with a variety of AHS internal and external stakeholders Builds and maintains an effective network of contacts and resources Represents AHS in negotiations and dealings with third parties Leads projects in which a team of lawyers is required Mentors and trains junior lawyers and staff Reviews the work of less experienced staff in the department for accuracy and to provide guidance and feedback

Qualified to practice law in Alberta Minimum 3-5 years practicing law Demonstrated excellence as a practicing lawyer in his/her area of practice; excellent legal and analytical skills. Member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta. Strong analytical skills. Motivated to learn, independent, self-starter. Adaptable and flexible. Superior communication skills.

The incumbent will also possess a record of accomplishment in the following areas: Proven ability to perform well in complex matters, prioritize and deal with multiple assignments, all under significant time and other pressures. Proven ability to work with senior management. Demonstrated business acumen with ability to balance business requirements against legal risks, formulate legal solutions to advance the needs of assigned client groups. General knowledge of the client group / function supported and the standards, policies and procedures. Knowledge and skills in problem solving and concerns resolution. Knowledge and skills related to privacy law. Strong commitment to operating within a team environment and the ability to work with others to achieve common goals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Effective communicator with strong organizational skills, influential skills, client-focused orientation and commitment to providing quality services. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders to respond to requests and relay information. Experience in research, data analysis and/or interpretation, evaluation methodologies, and developing effective reports. Demonstrated ability to facilitate change.

Previous education and work in a clinical health care setting will be an advantage.