Legal Assistant - Vancouver IJC

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

Job summary

A leading organization in Vancouver is seeking a Legal Assistant to provide administrative 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, particularly in Indigenous contexts, and will contribute to a supportive work environment focused on wellness and teamwork. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and benefits, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Extended health and dental

Personal days

Paid vacation

RRSP/TFSA plans

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience as a legal assistant or paralegal in criminal law or child protection.
• Experience preparing legal documents and managing criminal files.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal documents and file court documents.
• Maintain client files and respond to inquiries from Crown Counsel and clients.
• Participate in staff wellness initiatives.

Skills

Knowledge of First Nations practices and culture

Ability to handle sensitive situations

Self-motivated

Commitment to teamwork

Tools

Westlaw

CanLii

Adobe

MS Office

Clio

Job description

Legal Services Full Time Vancouver, 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) is responsible for 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations Métis and Inuit people in the criminal justice system and the child protection system, and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is growing rapidly. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. To this end, we are seeking team members who share our vision, understand the gravity of the work, are excited by the opportunity, and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

The Indigenous Justice Centers (IJCs) are spaces where those facing involvement in the colonial justice systems can come for legal support. BCFNJC recognizes that Indigenous people are significantly overrepresented in both the correctional and child welfare systems and often face intersecting systemic and social barriers to navigating the colonial systems. Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples are among the most impacted as victims, survivors, and families of gender-based violence and of MMIWG2S+.

The IJCs house Legal and Outreach teams that bring together a range of community, cultural, and professional expertise to support people navigating criminal and child protection cases. The interdisciplinary team works together with a client-centered approach to access the legal and social supports necessary to address challenges in housing, employment, health, and wellness within the child protection and criminal justice systems.

IJCs integrate staff wellness into daily operations, recognizing that IJC teams may carry the weight of clients’ experiences of injustice and trauma. All staff are part of a proactive approach to wellness that includes access to cultural supports, attention to physical and mental health, and reasonable workloads. Staff are expected to take vacation and personal leaves and work collaboratively to cover absences, ensuring the team remains healthy and capable of providing high-quality services.

Position Summary:

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

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Prepare legal documents (affidavits, subpoenas, factums, applications, orders, etc.) upon instruction of IJC staff lawyers.
2. Prepare and file court documents, ensuring proper presentation for court.
3. Prepare books of authorities, and order and log transcript requests.
4. Open, update, maintain, index, and assemble client files and records in the case management platform, following BCFNJC policies.
5. Obtain legal documents and follow up on information from Crown Counsel, opposing counsel, or Ministry staff; review and organize materials as directed.
6. Manage witnesses by locating and notifying them, arranging appointments and travel, and processing expenses.
7. Document receipt of disclosures such as legal documents, photographs, audio/video statements, and log materials.
8. Respond to inquiries from Crown Counsel, clients, and witnesses, who may be under emotional stress.
9. Maintain a Bring Forward System for timely responses and appointments.
10. Close legal records, noting dispositions accurately, and update precedent records and files per policies.
11. Manage records classification and storage in accordance with policies.
12. Arrange court conference calls and maintain staff lawyer calendars.
13. Compile and submit statistical data regarding clients and services.
14. Perform other duties as required by the Staff Lawyer.
15. Maintain confidentiality of client information.
16. Participate in staff wellness initiatives.
17. Contribute to reporting and statistical documentation.
18. Support wrap-around services in the Indigenous Justice Centres.
19. Collaborate with team members to maintain a welcoming, efficient centre.
20. Cover reception as needed.
21. Comply with policies and procedures.
22. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Work Experience:

• 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 record keeping, legal research (Westlaw & CanLii), Adobe, Outlook, Internet, and MS Office.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Knowledge of Clio software is an asset.
• Self-motivated with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, problem solve, and take initiative.
• Understanding of interdisciplinary approaches and respect for non-legal supports.
• Commitment to teamwork.
• Clear criminal reference check and Vulnerable Sector Clearance required.

Job Title: Legal Assistant

Reporting: Reports to the Legal Supports Supervisor; daily operations overseen by the Managing Lawyer.

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); Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 4:30pm

We value workplace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants under section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Indigenous candidates are encouraged to self-identify in their application.