|
Industry Profile -- By Jennifer Bysterveld
Laws are created for a reason. They help form the basic tenets of our society, providing the rules of conduct by which we live. Life without laws would be something close to total mayhem. Once established, laws must be enforced, represented and interpreted. An entire set of jobs is required to ensure these laws are upheld. The legal industry, as with all major industries in Alberta, provides a wide range of employment opportunities.
When we talk about law, a familiar image that comes to mind is that of a Police Officer. Police Officers protect citizens and property, maintain peace, prevent crime, apprehend those who break the law, enforce regulations and process court requirements. This type of work requires patience, good judgement and the ability to work with a wide variety of people. Physical fitness is also essential.
Training: Post-secondary training in Criminology or related field is recommended for acceptance into police training programs. A second language is also an advantage. For specific requirements see Calgary Police Service or the R.C.M.P.
- Average Salary: $30,000 - $50,000 /year
- Job Opportunities: average
A separate set of rules or bylaws, are adopted by towns and cities to conduct local affairs. These rules may concern noise infractions, where to place signs or how certain pieces of land can be used. It is the work of Bylaw Enforcement Officers to enforce municipal bylaws by responding to public complaints, investigating offences and issuing tickets. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to handle conflict situations and good observation skills are required in this type of work.
Training: Depending upon the municipality, bylaw officers may be required to have:
- a 2 year diploma in Law Enforcement or Police and Security offered by Mount Royal College, Lethbridge Community College or Grant MacEwan College (Edmonton)
- completion of the Professional Development Program for Bylaw Enforcement/Special Constables offered by the Bylaw Enforcement Officers Association of Alberta
- a high school diploma and 2 years related law enforcement experience
- Salary: $8.00 - $22.00/hour
- Job Opportunities: below average
Prisons and correctional centres also have a set of rules for conduct. Correctional Officers maintain control, supervision and custody of offenders who have been sentenced or are awaiting trial. This may include observing conduct, writing reports, performing security searches and transferring offenders. Correctional Officers require the ability to make quick decisions, excellent oral and written communication skills and physical fitness.
Training: High School diploma, CPR and First Aid. Two years work experience is preferred. Post-secondary training in Criminology or Social Work is recommended.
- Average Salary: $ 26,500 - $39,000/year
- Job Opportunities: below average
In addition to enforcement, a major portion of the legal industry is dedicated to the representation and interpretation of the law. When legal representation is required the role of a Lawyer is called upon. Lawyers study and interpret the law to advise clients of legal rights and represent client interests. There are approximately 6,000 practicing lawyers in Alberta. Legal practice may take one of two forms:
- Barristers - court work practitioners who handle civil and criminal law suits.
- Solicitors - office work lawyers who handle such areas as, real estate transactions, corporate law, commercial law, international law and patents
It requires much dedication to reach the practicing stage. Long hours, the ability to handle stress, and excellent communication skills are necessary for success.
Training: Training takes three stages.
- 2-4 years of an undergraduate degree
- A three year Bachelor of Law degree offered by the University of Calgary and
University of Alberta.
- 1 year of articling (similar to apprenticing) with a practitioner of the Alberta Bar. It is the responsibility of graduates to secure an articling position. Articling students must complete an 8 week Bar Admission course and final exam.
- Starting Salary: $30,00 - $40,000/year
- Job Opportunities: average
Legal Assistants assist lawyers in such areas as researching laws, preparing documents, maintaining records, and performing legal background work. To perform such work, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to organize are essential skills.
Training: 2 year Legal Assistant diplomas are offered at SAIT, Red Deer College, Henderson Business College (Calgary), The Career College (Edmonton) and Grant MacEwan Community College (Edmonton)
- Starting Salary: $17,000 - $24,000/year
- Job Opportunities: average
The task of interpreting the law and securing justice is a function of the court system. One task in facilitating the function of this system falls to the Court Officers. A Court Officer is responsible to open the court, announce the judge, call and swear in witnesses, read charges, mark exhibits and aid the judge in maintaining order. This position requires strong organizational skills, excellent oral and written communication skills and an ability to effectively handle stress.
Training: Must have a high school diploma with at least six months work experience. Training in a Legal Assistant program is often required. (See above mentioned programs.
- Average Salary: $26,000 - $39,000/year
- Job Opportunities: average
The Judges interpret and enforce legislation, weigh charges and evidence, instruct juries, decide on legal guilt and pass sentences. The ability to hold an objective view, honesty and integrity are all important skills for work as a Judge.
Training: To become a Judge, lawyers must have 10 years practicing experience and then be appointed to the Bench. Provincial court judges are appointed by the provincial government. Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal judges are appointed under the federal judges act.
- Average Salary: $114,000 - $158,000/year
- Job Opportunities: average
While this profile does not include the entire range of occupations within the legal industry, it offers a glimpse of the possibilities. Work in the legal industry offers an opportunity to provide basic protection and justice for society. Definitely an industry worth looking into!
|
