Legal Assistant - Surrey IJC

BC First Nations Justice Council; Surrey; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on Indigenous justice is seeking a Legal Assistant to provide crucial support in criminal defense and child protection matters. The role involves preparing legal documents, managing client files, and ensuring confidentiality. The ideal candidate will have experience in legal services and a strong understanding of First Nations practices. Join a dedicated team committed to improving access to justice for Indigenous communities in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Extended health and dental

Personal days

Paid vacation

RRSP/TFSA plans

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a legal assistant or paralegal in criminal law or child protection.
• Knowledge of First Nations practices and culture.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal documents as instructed by IJC staff lawyers.
• Manage client files and records in the case management system.

Skills

Legal Research

Discretion

Problem-Solving

Tools

MS Office

Adobe

Clio

Job description

Legal Services Full Time Surrey, BC $60,000 - $70,000 CAD per year

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) serves 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people in the criminal justice and child protection systems, and to support Nations in achieving justice sovereignty.

The BCFNJC is expanding rapidly. Indigenous communities in BC deserve top-tier legal services and programs. We seek team members who share our vision, understand the importance of our work, are excited about the opportunity, and committed to our goals. We foster a balanced, caring work environment that respects and supports staff wellbeing.

The Indigenous Justice Centers (IJCs) are safe spaces where individuals involved in colonial justice systems can access legal support. Recognizing the systemic and social barriers faced by Indigenous peoples, especially women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals affected by gender-based violence and MMIWG2S+, the IJCs bring together legal, cultural, and community expertise to assist clients navigating criminal and child protection cases.

The interdisciplinary team adopts a client-centered approach to connect clients with legal and social supports impacting housing, employment, health, and wellness, addressing challenges within the justice systems.

Staff wellness is integral to our operations, including access to cultural supports, attention to mental and physical health, and manageable workloads. Staff are encouraged to take leave and collaborate to cover absences, maintaining high-quality service delivery.

Position Summary:

The Legal Assistant provides administrative support to IJC staff lawyers, focusing on criminal defense and child protection matters.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Prepare legal documents (affidavits, subpoenas, factums, applications, orders, etc.) as instructed by IJC staff lawyers.
2. Arrange and file court documents properly.
3. Prepare books of authorities, order, and log transcript requests.
4. Manage client files and records in the case management system, following BCFNJC policies.
5. Obtain legal documents and follow up with Crown Counsel, opposing counsel, or Ministry staff; organize materials as directed.
6. Manage witnesses by locating, notifying, arranging appointments and travel, and processing expenses.
7. Document receipt of disclosures, such as legal documents, photographs, and audio/video statements.
8. Respond to inquiries from Crown Counsel, clients, and witnesses, often under emotional stress.
9. Maintain a Bring Forward System for timely responses and appointments.
10. Close legal records after trials, hearings, or appeals, and update relevant files.
11. Classify and store records according to policies.
12. Arrange court conference calls and maintain lawyer calendars.
13. Compile and submit statistical data on services provided.
14. Perform other duties as assigned by the Staff Lawyer.
15. Maintain confidentiality of client information.
16. Participate in staff wellness initiatives.
17. Gather data for reports and maintain comprehensive statistics.
18. Contribute to wrap-around services and maintain a welcoming IJC environment.
19. Support colleagues and community partners, including covering reception as needed.
20. Comply with policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Work Experience:

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a legal assistant or paralegal in criminal law or child protection legal services.
• Knowledge of First Nations practices and culture.
• Experience preparing legal documents and managing criminal files and disclosures.
• Experience with child protection files is an asset.
• Proficiency in legal research (Westlaw, CanLii), electronic redacting (Adobe), Outlook, Internet, and MS Office.
• Discretion, tact, and good judgment handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Knowledge of Clio practice management software is an asset.
• Self-motivated with minimal supervision, proactive, and able to problem-solve.
• Understanding of interdisciplinary approaches and respect for non-legal supports.
• Commitment to a collaborative team environment.
• Clear criminal record check and Vulnerable Sector Clearance required.

Additional Details:

• Job Title: Legal Assistant
• Reporting to: Legal Supports Supervisor; daily operations by Managing Lawyer
• Location: Surrey, BC
• Office type: In-office at Surrey IJC
• Pay Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually (as of 8/13/2024)
• Benefits: Extended health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, RRSP/TFSA plans
• Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week), Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Indigenous applicants will be prioritized as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Indigenous candidates are encouraged to self-identify in their application.