Join to apply for the Legal Assistant role at BC First Nations Justice Council 1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Legal Assistant role at BC First Nations Justice Council 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 to 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. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. 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 houses Legal and Outreach teams that bring together a range of community, cultural and professional expertise that are available to people navigating criminal and child protection cases. The interdisciplinary team works together with a client-centered approach to access the legal and social supports that effect their housing, employment, physical and mental health and wellness, necessary to address the challenges facing them in the child protection and criminal justice systems. Staff are expected to take vacation and personal leaves and work collaboratively to cover absences,



ensuring that the team remains healthy and able to provide high quality services. The Legal Assistant provides office and administrative supports to the IJC staff lawyers, focusing on criminal defence and child protection matters. Prepare legal documents (i.e. affidavits, subpoenas, factums, applications and orders, etc.) Prepare and arrange filing of court documents and ensure proper presentation of material for court. Open, update, maintain, index and assemble client files and records in the case management platform, in accordance with BCFNJC policies. Obtain legal documents and follow-up on information from Crown Counsel, opposing counsel or Ministry staff and review and organize materials as directed by the IJC staff lawyers. arranging appointments and travel requirements; Document receipt of disclosure (legal documents, photographs, audio or videotaped statements, log materials). Maintain a Bring Forward System for the staff lawyer to ensure timely response to correspondence, compliance with limitation periods and attendance at appointments. Close legal records (trial, hearing or appeal), ensure dispositions are noted accurately and update precedent records and files, in accordance with BCFNJC policies. Conduct records management functions by classifying and storing records, in accordance with BCFNJC policies. Arrange telephone and video conferencing for court appearances and maintain staff lawyer calendars.



Compile and submit statistical data with regard to clients served and services delivered, in accordance with the BCFNJC policies. Contribute to the team-oriented approach to wrap-around services in the Indigenous Justice Centres. Work together with the IJC team to maintain a welcoming, high-function centre by supporting colleagues and community partners, as assigned. Comply with BCFNJC policies and procedures. Qualifications & Work

Experience:
~3+ years' experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal in an office that offers criminal law or child protection legal services. ~ Experience preparing legal documents, books of authorities and all aspects of maintaining criminal files and disclosure. ~ Experience in management of child protection files is an asset. ~ Proficiency in record keeping, researching legal precedents (Westlaw & CanLii), electronic redacting (using Adobe), Outlook, Internet and standard computer applications in MS Office. ~ Ability to use tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgment when dealing with sensitive situations, confidential material and demanding and difficult people. ~ Knowledge of Clio practice management software is an asset. ~ The Legal Assistant must be a self-motivated individual with the ability to work with minimal supervision. ~ Understanding of interdisciplinary approach and respect for non-legal supports. ~ Legal Assistant Reports to the Legal Supports Supervisor; daily operations oversight by local Managing Lawyer

Location:
Port Hardy, BC Office type: In-office Extended benefits package that includes extended health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week); Mon

📌 Legal Assistant Paralegal (Canada)
🏢 BC First Nations Justice Council
📍 Canada