Paralegal

The First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB); Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Indigenous engagement seeks a Paralegal to provide legal and administrative support. The role involves preparing materials for reviews, managing documentation, and ensuring compliance with financial laws. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in legal processes, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to Indigenous culture. Opportunities for professional growth and a hybrid work environment are offered.

Benefits

Salary and bonus eligibility

Extended benefits paid by employer

Health Spending Account

Matching RRSP contributions

Generous vacation and paid days off

Work-life balance

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in a paralegal role or equivalent.
• Fluent in English and French, with an Indigenous language as an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials for FAL and FAB reviews, ensuring compliance.
• Support FAL & FAB workshops and respond to inquiries.
• Provide legal administrative support and manage documentation.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Legal Document Drafting

Education

Post-secondary degree in paralegal or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Products

Job description

Reporting to the Legal Counsel, the Paralegal provides effective legal and administrative support to the Indigenous Engagement, Laws and Relations ("IELR") team while handling multiple and simultaneous deadlines. Effective communication and the ability to manage a high volume of work are essential for this position.

The Paralegal prepares materials such as draft responses, informal reviews, and reports on Financial Administration Laws ("FALs") and Financial Administration By-Laws ("FABs"). Attention to detail, initiative, and accuracy are critical for success.

Accountabilities

1. FAL and FAB Reviews
   • Complete preliminary informal reviews of FALs and FABs;
   • Maintain record management systems (HPRM and CRM) for FAL and FAB documents;
   • Prepare FAL and FAB materials for Committees and Board meetings;
   • Review FABs submitted or coordinate with External legal Counsel to ensure compliance with FMB Standards and provide opinions to the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada for submission to the SAC Committee and Board;
   • Prepare and coordinate FAB packages for Ministerial approval;
   • Coordinate, draft, and review FAL amendments and updates upon request;
   • Handle formal requests for Board meetings, coordinating with RMs and First Nations;
   • Support FAL & FAB workshops for clients and stakeholders;
   • Organize secondary review of FALs;
   • Respond to inquiries regarding FAL/FAB standards and related compliance samples;
   • Support document creation, maintenance, and retention;
   • Develop a deep understanding of FAL standards;
   • Potentially design and deliver FAL/FAB workshops.
2. FMS Testing
   • Stay updated on FMS testing dates;
   • Draft BCRs and FAL updates for FMS testing, track receipt;
   • Coordinate with CD managers and Directors regarding FAL update packages.
3. 10-year Grants
   • Review and track documents related to 10-year grants; prepare packages for First Nations;
   • Ensure receipt of necessary documents, coordinate with RMs and Standards team;
   • Draft compliance opinions for approved nations.
4. Documentation
   • Contribute to development and improvement of FMB core documents;
   • Coordinate updates of sample FALs and FABs to new standards;
   • Log templates, create indices and legends;
   • Draft and maintain legal procedures manual;
   • Draft compliance opinions for grants;
   • Update sample FALs and FABs as needed, save to systems, and communicate updates.
5. Communication
   • Ensure understanding of FAL and FAB standards;
   • Write clear, persuasive, and concise internal and external messages;
   • Support production of various communication materials;
   • Proofread and edit materials.
6. Other Duties
   • Update client management systems;
   • Provide legal administrative support, including calendar and record management;
   • Assist in organizing conferences, seminars, and outreach events;
   • Customize FALs and FABs as directed;
   • Prepare hard copy document packages;
   • Perform other legal support tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate in paralegal or related discipline;
• Minimum five (5) years in a paralegal role or equivalent;
• Experience in Indigenous environments and with Boards is an asset;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe products;
• Legal document drafting skills;
• Effective writing and editing skills;
• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Ability to manage high workloads in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail;
• Understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history;
• Willingness to engage in ongoing education, including Indigenous Cultural studies;
• Fluent in English (spoken and written) and French (spoken and written);
• Fluency in an Indigenous language is an asset.

Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Work Conditions

• Based in Montreal, QC, with hybrid or remote options;
• Occasional national travel may be required.

What We Offer

• Salary and bonus eligibility;
• Extended benefits paid by employer;
• Health Spending Account;
• Matching RRSP contributions;
• Generous vacation and paid days off;
• Work-life balance;
• Opportunities for professional growth.