Legal Assistant - FNFAO - Competition 2026-080

Manitoba Chiefs; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Manitoba Chiefs in Winnipeg, MB, is seeking a Legal Assistant to support the FNFAO Legal Services by serving as the main point of contact with clientele, maintaining client files, and preparing for hearings and meetings. You will draft and review legal documents, file with court registries, coordinate schedules, and assist lawyers with research and documentation.

The role requires a paralegal or legal assistant certification, 2+ years of experience, MS Office proficiency, and ability to travel

Qualifications

• Paralegal or Legal Administrative Assistant Certification or a diploma in a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience providing legal administrative assistant support in the legal or social services sector is an asset.
• Working knowledge of Manitoba law, legal procedures, and court system protocols is an asset.
• Experience working with First Nations and First Nation organizations and/or entities is an asset.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Be able to follow office practices, procedures, and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of First Nations and First Nations peoples.
• Ability to travel upon request and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Maintain confidential contact lists, monitor deadlines, and manage calendars and appointments.
• Coordinate and remind for upcoming client appointments for lawyers.
• Field calls from clients and support ongoing contact to promote efficient service.
• Capture detailed notes during meetings and assist lawyers with documentation collection.
• Type and file basic legal documents and client correspondence.
• Support a collaborative multidisciplinary team and maintain records per best practices.
• Filing documents with the court registry upon request and distributing incoming mail.
• Research local laws and regulations to assist with reports and case files.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Education

Paralegal Certification

Legal Administrative Assistant Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Competition # 2026-080

Category: Full-Time Permanent

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Position Summary

Under the direction of the First Nation Family Advocate Office (FNFAO), the Legal Assistant will provide support to the FNFAO Legal Services by serving as the main point of contact with clientele, maintaining and organizing client files, preparing for upcoming hearings and meetings, and drafting and reviewing legal documents.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain confidential contact lists, monitor competing deadlines, and manage calendars and appointments.
• Coordinate and provide reminders for upcoming client appointments for the lawyers.
• Field calls from clients and supports ongoing contact to promote efficient service.
• Capture detailed notes during meetings and assist lawyers in collecting and organizing support documentation from clients.
• Type up and file basic legal documents and client correspondence.
• Support and contribute to a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain diligent record-keeping by best practices for legal offices.
• Filing documents with the court registry upon request.
• Filing and making copies of legal documents as required.
• Open and distribute incoming mail and other materials to coordinate the flow of information internally and with other teams as required.
• Research local laws and regulations, legal articles, and case law upon request to assist with preparing reports and case files.
• Coordinate travel arrangements on behalf of the lawyers as required.
• Attend meetings and/or conferences and provide reports and statistics on service delivery as required.
• Provide administrative receptionist support as needed and requested
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualification

Education & Experience

• Paralegal or Legal Administrative Assistant Certification or a diploma in a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 2 (two) years of experience providing legal administrative assistant support within the legal or social services sector is an asset.
• Working knowledge of Manitoba law, legal procedures, and court system protocols is an asset.
• Experience working with First Nations and First Nation organizations and/or entities as an asset.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Be able to follow office practices, procedures, and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of First Nations and First Nations peoples.
• Ability to work flexible hours and be able to travel upon request.
• Must have a valid Class 5 driver's license and a reliable vehicle.
• Must have a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and clear Child Abuse Checks.

Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to verify citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government‑issued documentation or affirmation from Inuit, Métis, or non‑status Indigenous community with which they identify. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Please visit our website at www.manitobachiefs.com.