Employment & Human Rights Lawyer

Who We Are

Purnell Employment Law is a boutique employment and human rights law firm. We are committed to championing the rights of workers and to making a genuine, positive difference in the lives of employees, workplaces, and the broader community.

Our clients often come to us during some of the most difficult moments of their working lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our practice is grounded in integrity, emotional intelligence, and genuine care for the people we represent. We value high-quality advocacy and are intentional about how we practice law, not just the outcomes we achieve.

We believe that being a successful lawyer does not require suppressing our personal lives, but integrating them into our professional work in a way that is authentic, sustainable, and meaningful.

About the Role

This role is for an employment lawyer who wants to do impactful and meaningful work. You will manage your own files from intake through resolution, with the support and collaboration of the team.

This position is well-suited to someone who enjoys litigation, values quality over volume, and wants to build a sustainable, values-aligned practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing legal counsel and representation at every stage of litigation to clients in the areas of employment, human rights, labour, and Charter cases.
• Conducting legal research, analysis, and case preparation.
• Representing clients in negotiations, mediation and hearings before human rights tribunals, labour boards, and court proceedings.
• Engaging with clients to understand their needs and concerns, offering compassionate guidance throughout their legal journey.
• Staying updated on relevant legal developments.
• Media relations and marketing.
• Collaborating with a dedicated team of legal professionals to drive positive outcomes.
• Build and strengthen community connections and maximize the impact of the firm's mission

What’s in it for You

• Opportunities to engage in high-impact and intellectually challenging cases.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and inclusive work environment that encourages personal and professional growth.
• We're down to earth and understand that we're all humans!
• Competitive compensation package.
• Make a meaningful impact on the firm's growth and success.

Please note: there is no formal benefits plan at this time.

Qualifications

• J.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in Alberta.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in civil litigation, employment litigation, human rights law, and/or labour law.
• A genuine interest in employment and human rights law, public interest work, and litigation.
• Applying emotional intelligence to navigate situations, manage client relationships, and make well-informed decisions.
• A passion for advocating on behalf of workers and making a meaningful impact in the legal field.
• Enjoys the opportunity to take on challenging cases and fight for the underrepresented.
• The ability to connect with clients on a personal level and explain complex legal matters in a relatable way.
• Eager to work closely with our passionate startup team, contributing your unique skills and perspectives to achieve our common goals.
• A determination to find creative solutions to complex legal challenges. Constantly seeking innovative ways to tackle complex and novel employment, labour and human rights issues.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume to ***email_hidden***, along with responses to the following questions:

• Why are you interested in this position?
• What do you know about our company?
• What is your ideal work environment?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

We value thoughtful, genuine responses and are less interested in polished clichés than real insight.