Director of Legal Research and New Initiatives
Peter Sankoff is looking for a Director of Legal Research and New Initiatives to join Criminal Defence Essentials. Our head office is currently in Edmonton, and the preference is to have someone on site, but we are accepting applications Canada-wide, and for the right candidate, we will permit the position to be remote.
Criminal Defence Essentials is Canada’s #1 provider of legal support materials to the defence bar. We provide Seminars, Case Alerts, the Beacon (our newsletter of new cases), Mini Guides and more. We also provide an online search database that we hope to expand. You’d be part of it! You will help produce materials to help other lawyers, and if you love thinking and discussing criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence, this job is for you. You get paid to research and write about just about any legal topic that interests you, guided by a top-notch appellate lawyer and scholar.
Criminal Defence Essentials is Canada’s #1 provider of legal support materials to the defence bar. We provide Seminars, Case Alerts, the Beacon (our newsletter of new cases), Mini Guides and more. We also provide an online search database that we hope to expand. You’d be part of it! You will help produce materials to help other lawyers, and if you love thinking and discussing criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence, this job is for you. You get paid to research and write about just about any legal topic that interests you, guided by a top-notch appellate lawyer and scholar.
This is a great job for a lawyer who is looking for a change – someone who loves the criminal law, but is less attracted to the crazy schedule that goes along with it. We are looking for someone who is smart and charismatic. Part of your job will be making online content (like our video Case Alerts!).
A successful applicant will possess the following:
- A positive attitude
- The ability to take constructive criticism and feedback;
- Like dogs (we have an office dog!, unless you are working remote);
- The ability to work well with others;
- The ability to follow instructions;
- A law degree from a recognized Canadian university or NCA qualification;
- A passion for criminal law, the law of evidence and criminal procedure;
- Strong writing skills;
- Strong legal research ability;
- Strong academic credentials (B+ average in law school or better);
- Edmonton applicants preferred, but this can be a remote position;
- Eligible to be a member of a Canadian law society, though it is not necessary to be active.
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting salary will be determined by experience and qualifications, but minimum salary for this position is $85,000 + bonus depending on experience. Profit sharing will commence after one year at the firm.
CDE Employees receive two weeks paid holiday (to be taken whenever) and time off from December 21- January 5. Holiday time rises with experience and time at the firm. All expenses, including law society fees and insurance, are covered.
Please note that Peter is not taking articling students for 2025 or 2026, and will not hire someone who is not yet qualified for Law Society Membership (eg. in a paralegal position or not yet completed NCA).
Are you interested? Send a letter to info@sankoffcriminallaw.com that includes the following:
1) Why this ad interests you, and why you are the person Peter should hire (including how you meet the attributes required for the position)
2) Where you live, and whether you hope to do this position remotely.
3) Your passion for criminal law
All inquiries will be treated in confidence. Feel free to send any questions along before applying.
Please include your CV and law school transcripts.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. The position will be filled once the right applicant has been found.
Starting salary will be determined by experience and qualifications, but minimum salary for this position is $85,000 + bonus depending on experience. Profit sharing will commence after one year at the firm.
CDE Employees receive two weeks paid holiday (to be taken whenever) and time off from December 21- January 5. Holiday time rises with experience and time at the firm. All expenses, including law society fees and insurance, are covered.
Please note that Peter is not taking articling students for 2025 or 2026, and will not hire someone who is not yet qualified for Law Society Membership (eg. in a paralegal position or not yet completed NCA).
Are you interested? Send a letter to info@sankoffcriminallaw.com that includes the following:
1) Why this ad interests you, and why you are the person Peter should hire (including how you meet the attributes required for the position)
2) Where you live, and whether you hope to do this position remotely.
3) Your passion for criminal law
All inquiries will be treated in confidence. Feel free to send any questions along before applying.
Please include your CV and law school transcripts.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. The position will be filled once the right applicant has been found.