Peter Sankoff is looking for a lawyer to join Sankoff Criminal Law and Criminal Defence Essentials, in Calgary, Edmonton or Ottawa. Our head office is currently in Edmonton, but lawyers with 4+ years of experience can work in Calgary or Ottawa, and will be set up in an office to do so. Lawyers with less than 4 years experience must commit to 18 months in Edmonton at our main office (moving expenses covered).

Sankoff Criminal Law is a little different from other criminal law firms. We currently focus primarily on appellate work, with only about 15% of our files arising at the trial level, so you won’t be in court every day. But you will get into court on great cases, and have time to find your footing as a trial lawyer with selected cases, all supervised by Peter.

In addition to running his own trials and appeals, Peter assists lawyers from across Canada on complex legal matters, meaning that we get called in to help on some of the country’s most exciting trials. As a junior lawyer, you’d have your own files, but also learn from and be mentored by Peter as you grow.

Through Criminal Defence Essentials, we also create legal seminars, case alerts and a whole range of other resources for the busy defence lawyer. 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.

Peter is looking for a young lawyer who is looking for a great opportunity to grow with our companies.

Depending on your experience level and active client roster, your primary tasks will include:

• Conducting legal research;
• Writing factums, bail pending appeal applications, constitutional notices, and contested trial matters;
• Conduct trials and make docket appearances (under supervision, absent relevant experience);
• Act as second chair on appeals (to start, graduating quickly to conducting them);
• Liaise with clients; and
• Work on research projects for CDE

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!);
• 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;
• Good writing skills;
• Good legal research ability;
• Solid academic credentials (B average in law school or better);
• Live in Calgary, Edmonton or Ottawa or be willing to relocate;
• Be a member of the Law Society of Alberta (or eligible to become one), or Ontario.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting salary will be determined by experience and qualifications, but minimum salary for this position is $90,000 for a first year lawyer (rising with each year of experience). Profit sharing will be discussed after one year at the firm.

In addition to salary, lawyers will get to travel to at least one out of Alberta hearing per year, and receive a year-end bonus (beginning in Year 2) calculated on the basis of individual and firm performance.

A junior associate receives 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, if it’s not one of the three listed cities, why you might be willing to relocate;

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 June 30, 2025