The Law Society of Alberta (Law Society) regulates the legal profession in the public interest.
In alignment with the Law Society’s vision, mission, and strategic plan, the Investigations Department provides support to the Conduct Department, enforcing Part 3 of the Legal Profession Act, and more specifically, the completion of investigations under section 53 of the Legal Profession Act. The Investigations Department ensures effective investigation processes while supporting the Law Society's mission in becoming a model regulator.
As a key member of the Investigations team, the Investigator will participate in the investigation of complaints regarding the conduct of lawyers.
Success in this position requires excellent analytical, communication, organizational, and time management skills combined with a strong working knowledge of investigation processes and regulations.
As a member of the Investigations team you will be expected to:
- Support the investigations process and work cohesively with other Investigators.
- Review and analyze relevant documents, records, physical evidence, electronic evidence, and prepare reports.
- Conduct all aspects of the investigation including in-person, video and telephone interviews.
- Assist with regulatory prosecutions as required.
- Make informed decisions relative to the investigation processes.
- Be a resource and provide timely support to our other internal departments.
- Assist and work cohesively with all Law Society Investigators.
- Review complaint and/or other relevant documents, perform appropriate investigative procedures, and issue clear and concise reports using facts and evidence discovered through the investigative process.
- Focus on gathering evidence through conducting interviews with lawyers, their support staff, and third parties.
- Examine lawyers’ files and financial records, reconstruct inventories, and trace money flows.
- Develop and maintain contacts within various enforcement agencies and financial institutions (primarily, within the province of Alberta).
- Investigate ALIA Claims and complete investigative processes to confirm or deny the claim and prepare a detailed report with conclusions.
- Testify and/or assist Law Society Counsel with the prosecution of a lawyer under investigation, as required.
- Build and maintain a professional working relationship with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Other tasks as assigned.
- 5+ years of field investigation experience or equivalent required.
- Post-secondary education in Accounting, Law or related field is considered an asset.
- Law enforcement, accounting or regulatory experience is an asset.
- Chartered Professional Accountant or Certified Fraud Examiner Designation is an asset, or in the process of obtaining either of these designations.
- Experience with forensic audits is an asset.
- Experience testifying as an expert witness is an asset.
- General knowledge of law in the areas of real estate, estates, litigation, corporate/commercial, and family law; sufficient to have a general understanding of documents within a client file.
- Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and memoranda.
- Ability and knowledge to perform financial investigations.
- Strong interpersonal, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Professional, mature manner, and excellent presentation skills.
- A team player who is also self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Demonstrated ability to independently and effectively manage a substantial and diverse workload.
- High level of computer literacy, including the use of both desktop tools and centralized databases.
- Ability to adapt to planned and unplanned change.
- Able to work flexible hours and to attend meetings outside of regular office hours as needed.
- Able to travel throughout Alberta to conduct investigations.
The Law Society of Alberta regulates the legal profession in the public interest by promoting and enforcing a high standard of professional and ethical conduct by Alberta lawyers.
We derive our authority from the Legal Profession Act (http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/l08.pdf)of Alberta and set out standards through a Code of Conduct (https://documents.lawsociety.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/14211909/Code.pdf) and the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta (https://documents.lawsociety.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/04144612/Rules.pdf).
While we do not provide legal advice on specific cases, from our unique perspective as the regulator, we actively work with members of the justice system to improve the administration of justice for all Albertans.
- Comprehensive compensation package
- Work-life balance benefits that allow you to balance your career and personal commitments.
- Access to a free onsite gym and tenant lounge.
- Private Reflection Rooms to observe religious or cultural beliefs, meditate or take a mental health break.
