Peter Sankoff is looking for a lawyer to join his booming business, composed of Sankoff Criminal Law and Criminal Defence Essentials, in Calgary, Edmonton or Ottawa.

This is your chance to do cutting edge criminal law work and get involved in some of the country’s biggest cases, while transforming into a superstar lawyer with a national reputation. You’ll get an education on legal writing, strategy and persuasion, and give up worrying about how many clients you need to carry and how much you bill. There is no criminal law firm quite like this one.

Sankoff Criminal Law is not your average criminal defence firm. We focus primarily on appellate work, with only about 15% of our files arising at the trial level. Peter is in constant demand assisting lawyers from across Canada on complex legal matters, meaning that we get called in to help on some of the country’s most exciting cases. Peter also regularly appears in British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec, in addition to Alberta. He appears at the Supreme Court on a steady basis.

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 with all of these, 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 young lawyer who is looking for a great opportunity. This position is for young lawyers in years 0-8 of practice. 

Depending on your experience level and active client roster, your primary tasks will include: assisting Peter with his very busy practice; learning to write outstanding materials; and learning how to run your own trials and appeals. In this regard, you will:

• Conduct legal research;
• Write factums, bail applications, constitutional notices and other arguments;
• 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

A successful applicant will possess the following:

• A positive attitude
• The ability to take constructive criticism and feedback well;
• 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).

 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 FEBRUARY 1, 2025.