Smith & Co. Law is seeking an experienced Associate Lawyer to join our growing general practice.
This opportunity is best suited to a lawyer who has an established book of business, or who is actively developing one, and is looking for the independence of building their own practice within a flexible hybrid work environment while benefiting from the infrastructure and support of an established law firm.
The Opportunity
The successful candidate will independently manage client matters within their areas of experience and interest, from initial consultation through resolution or completion.
The Associate is expected to bring an existing book of business or be actively developing their own client base and referral network.
Firm overflow files and internal referrals may also be available from time to time, providing an additional source of work. However, the position is intended for a lawyer who is prepared to actively build and maintain their own practice.
This is a percentage-based, fee-split arrangement rather than a traditional salaried position. Compensation is based on collected billings and the agreed fee-sharing arrangement.
What the Firm Provides
Smith & Co. Law provides:
- Flexible hybrid work environment
- Office space
- Boardroom and reception
- Trust account and retainer administration
- Administrative support
- Practice management software and established file systems
- Use of an established firm name and infrastructure
- Opportunities for internal referrals and overflow files as available
This structure allows the Associate to focus on practising law and developing their client base without taking on all of the overhead and administrative responsibilities associated with operating a standalone firm.
Areas of Practice
We are open to lawyers practising in one or more areas, including:
- Family law
- Civil litigation
- Wills and estate planning
- Estate administration
- Real estate
- Corporate and commercial matters
- General solicitor work
- Other complementary areas of practice
Candidates are not required to practise in every area. We are interested in lawyers who bring experience in one or more practice areas and who want the opportunity to build or expand their practice within the firm.
Responsibilities
The Associate will be responsible for:
- Independently managing files from initial consultation through completion
- Providing legal advice and representation to clients
- Drafting pleadings, agreements, correspondence and other legal documents
- Conducting negotiations and settlement discussions where applicable
- Attending court, chambers, mediations and other proceedings where required
- Maintaining timely and professional communication with clients
- Managing deadlines, limitation dates and file progression
- Developing and maintaining client and referral relationships
- Actively building and maintaining their own book of business
- Ensuring files are handled in accordance with Law Society of Alberta requirements and professional standards
Qualifications
The successful candidate must:
- Be a member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta
- Have experience practising law in Alberta
- Have an existing book of business or be actively developing one
- Be comfortable independently managing their own files
- Have strong drafting, communication, negotiation and client-management skills
- Be organized and able to manage competing deadlines
- Be comfortable with a percentage-based compensation model tied to collected billings
- Have court experience if practising in a litigation-based area
Who This Opportunity Is Best Suited For
This opportunity may be particularly attractive to a lawyer who:
- Has an established or developing client base
- Wants greater control over their practice and schedule
- Values the flexibility of a hybrid work environment
- Prefers a fee-split arrangement over a traditional salaried associate position
- Wants to build their own practice within an established law firm
- Values access to administrative support and firm infrastructure
- Is entrepreneurial and comfortable developing referral relationships
- Would benefit from additional overflow work and internal referrals when available
- Wants to avoid the expense and administrative burden of operating a completely separate law firm
Compensation
This is a percentage-based, fee-split arrangement.
The Associate's primary income will be generated through the clients and matters they independently bring into the firm.
Additional income opportunities may be available through firm overflow files and internal referrals as work becomes available.
Compensation will be based on an agreed percentage of collected billings. The specific fee split and terms will be discussed confidentially with suitable candidates.
About Smith & Co. Law
Smith & Co. Law is an Alberta law firm providing practical and accessible legal services across a range of practice areas.
We are looking for a lawyer who wants to build a long-term practice within the firm while maintaining a high degree of independence and control over their own client base.
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Job Type: Associate Lawyer / Fee-Split Arrangement
Compensation Type: Commission / Percentage of Collected Billings
Licence Required: Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and brief introduction outlining their legal experience, current areas of practice, and whether they have an established or developing book of business.
Please submit applications to [email protected]. All enquiries will be treated confidentially.
Pay: $50,000.00-$150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edmonton, AB T5J 1E3
