Paralegal

City of Surrey; Surrey; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Surrey seeks a Paralegal to support a legal services team handling litigation in BC courts and during Council hearings. You will draft legal documents, manage filings, and research applicable rules under supervision.

The role emphasizes confidentiality, initiative, and tight timelines in a municipal government setting with collaboration across solicitors, paralegals, and legal assistants.

Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate or diploma completed from an accredited program.
• Minimum of 3 years of paralegal experience in litigation with strong research skills.
• Familiarity with BC Supreme Court, Small Claims Court and appellate processes is an asset.
• Municipal or government experience is an asset and knowledge of local government procedures.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, applications, affidavits, orders and discovery materials for litigation.
• Schedule meetings, trials, discoveries and hearings and prepare related docs.
• Review documents and manage materials used in proceedings.
• Assist in interviews, investigations and correspondence with parties.
• Prepare filings and service of court materials, maintaining confidentiality.
• Research rules of court, statutes, and precedents under supervision.
• Perform general office duties and assist with subpoenas or tax sales as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Legal research

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Paralegal certificate/diploma

Grade 12 or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Document management systems

Job description

As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, City of Surrey is a globally recognized leader in building vibrant, sustainable communities through technology and innovation. City of Surrey employees are talented innovators, inspired by meaningful work and the opportunity to drive our city—and their careers—forward. Build a City. Build a Future.

SCOPE:

The City of Surrey is seeking a Paralegal to join a professional and collegial team consisting of solicitors, paralegals and legal assistants to perform a wide array of paralegal functions with a focus on litigation matters, including files in the BC Supreme Court, Small Claims Court, Civil Resolution Tribunal, BC Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Canada, and hearings before City Council.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the City Solicitor in the Legal Services & Risk Management Division, the Paralegal is responsible for the following:

• Drafts pleadings, application materials, affidavits, orders, bills of costs, discovery requests and responses, trial preparation documents, and materials for Council hearings
• Schedules meetings, trials, discoveries, hearings, etc. and prepares relevant documentation
• Reviews, gathers and manages documents to be used in proceedings
• Assists in interviews and investigations
• Drafts and prepares correspondence with opposing parties and client departments
• Prepares and manages the filing and service of court materials
• Exercises a high level of confidentiality and tact
• Exercises independent judgment when working with precedents
• Researches and analyzes a variety of sources such as the applicable rules of court, statutes, regulations, court decisions, legal documents and articles for use in preparing materials related to litigation under the supervision of an Assistant City Solicitor
• Photocopying and filing
• General office duties as required
• Other duties as assigned, including handling subpoenas, tax sales, bankruptcy proceedings, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent, supplemented by a paralegal certificate or diploma by an accredited program
• Minimum of 3 years of paralegal experience in litigation
• Membership in the British Columbia Paralegal Association is considered an asset
• Thorough understanding of litigation, including knowledge of rules and practices relating to the BC Supreme Court, Small Claims Court, Civil Resolution Tribunal, and BC Court of Appeal.
• Experience with other levels of court or administrative tribunals is an asset
• Experience with municipal law is an asset
• Experience working in a municipal or government environment would be an asset
• Experienced in preparing and organizing correspondence and a variety of legal documents ensuring compliance with applicable rules of court
• Proven research and legal analysis skills
• Strong critical thinking skills, a high level of initiative, and a proactive approach to problem solving
• Detail oriented with an excellent ability to multi-task, prioritize, and organize within strict timelines
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to both work collaboratively in a team environment and independently
• Organized and meticulous
• A high level of proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and various document management systems
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment to meet deadlines
• Eagerness to assist with the needs of the office as they arise