Legal Assistant

Nova Scotia Barristers' Society; Halifax; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal aid organization in Halifax seeks a Legal Assistant to provide vital support within criminal law and youth justice practices. The role includes managing administrative tasks for lawyers, engaging with clients, and overseeing legal documentation. This position requires a post-secondary qualification in Legal Administration and at least two years of relevant experience. Apply now to join a dynamic team dedicated to improving access to justice in the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience with family law cases and criminal court practices.
• Experience in social justice matters and procedures.
• Understanding of client service and legal administrative duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support in Criminal law and Youth Criminal Justice matters.
• Manage lawyers' practice, organize legal documents, and handle intake.
• Assist in drafting correspondence and deal with sensitive client issues.

Skills

Client Service

Time Management

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Post-secondary diploma in Legal Administration or Paralegal

Tools

MS Office

Legal Research Applications

Job description

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION
LEGAL ASSISTANT

Type of Employment: 12-month Term Contract with potential for permanency
Location: Halifax South-Criminal & Youth Offices, 5475 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Salary: TE 13-1 to TE 19-5 ($40,733.16 to $59,115.94)
Closing Date: June 30, 2025 at 4:30 pm

Who we are:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers quality legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are systematically disadvantaged. NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 24 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Our staff are comprised of Staff Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Court Support Workers, Social Workers, a Social Justice Support Worker, and a Prison Law Support Worker. Our staff help thousands of clients every year. We are committed to helping overcome historical and ongoing barriers to access to justice and our Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Managing Lawyers (Halifax Youth; Halifax South-Criminal) and under the direction of the staff lawyers, the legal assistant provides comprehensive administrative support in Criminal law, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Motor Vehicle Act, School Board, Family law, and Social Justice matters to the lawyers in the day-to-day conduct of clients’ legal affairs. An understanding of and commitment to client service is imperative. The Legal Assistant must have a broad range of knowledge relating to the functions, activities, policies and practices of the NSLAC.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:
• Supporting the managing lawyers on a wide range of administrative services.
• Manage, organizes and co-ordinates the lawyers’ practice.
• Ensures the management of all legal administrative related duties.
• Effectively manages the incoming calls, coordinates intake (online applications as well as walk ins and those received in Court).
• Draft all correspondence, memorandums, and documents including and s. 34/IRCA/Gladue request forms.
• Creates appearance lists/docket cross referencing each week for Arraignment Court to assist the lawyers as well as Court Clerk.
• Handles all internal youth appeal files.
• Ability to work independently, to take initiative, and to use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Works with clients who have complex needs and works independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.
• Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated time management skills and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
• Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Office and Outlook.
• All other duties as required

Qualifications:
• Post-secondary diploma in Legal Administration or Paralegal or equivalent training and related relevant experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with family law cases, criminal court practices, social justice matters, procedures and systems would be an asset.

If you are talented, conscientious and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to [e-mail] .

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.