Legal Assistant Position – Halifax Appeals

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

LEGAL ASSISTANT

 

Type of Employment: Term
Location: Halifax Appeals Office, 400-5475 Spring Garden Road
Salary: Clerical Pay Plan (CL), CL 14 Step 1 to CL 22 Step 5 ($39,764.37 to $55,623.05)
Closing Date:  April 10, 2024 at 4:30 pm

Who we are:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers quality legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are systematically disadvantaged. NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 24 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Our staff are comprised of Staff Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Court Support Workers, Social Workers, a Social Justice Support Worker, and a Prison Law Support Worker. Our staff help thousands of clients every year. We are committed to helping overcome historical and ongoing barriers to access to justice and our Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Managing Lawyer, under the direction of Staff Lawyers, the Legal Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support to Staff Lawyers in criminal, child protection and family law appellate cases.  An understanding of and commitment to client service in the day-to-day conduct of clients’ legal affairs is imperative.  The Legal Assistant must have a broad range of knowledge relating to the functions, activities, policies and practices of the NSLAC.

Ideal Abilities and Skills:

  • Strong writing, grammar, and word processing skills are essential, including:
    • Accurate and timely transcription of dictated letters, memorandums, factums (written submissions to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal), affidavits, notices, and orders.
    • Formatting, proofreading, and editing of letters, memorandums, factums, affidavits, notices, orders, and any other Criminal, Children & Family Services Act (CFSA) & Family Court materials & documents.
  • Ensuring timely and professional production and assembly of court documents, including factums, books of authorities, and appeal books.
  • Coordinating on-time filing of legal documents at the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.
  • Effectively manage incoming client calls, online and phone applications, enter files into internal intake system, and prepare hard copies of new intake files.
  • Assuring timely preparation, transmission and documentation of internal and external correspondence, including electronic and hard copies of correspondence for files.
  • Manage, organize and co-ordinate Lawyers’ Practice, including time-management and communication with two busy lawyers.
  • Other duties as required by the Managing Lawyer.

Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary diploma in Legal Administration or Paralegal or equivalent training and related relevant experience.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience with criminal court practices, family/CFSA law cases, social justice matters, procedures and systems would be an asset.
  • University-level research and writing experience would be an asset.

Skills

  • Demonstrated time management skills and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines, while maintaining high standards of quality.
  • Ability to learn LexisNexis and Canlii to perform basic legal research under the direction of appellate counsel.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
  • Have knowledge of or be willing to learn the rules of procedure under the Criminal Code, CFSA, other family law statutes, Civil Procedure Rules and the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal requirements.
  • Can take initiative and use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
  • Work independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and staff at Correctional Facilities, Family Court and at the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.
  • Ability to work with clients who have complex needs.
  • Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

If you are talented, hardworking and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to NSLA-Careers@nslegalaid.ca.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Staff Lawyer Position – Halifax South

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

STAFF LAWYER

 

Type of Employment:  Term
Location: Halifax South – 5475 Spring Garden Road, Suite 400, Halifax
Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy – Based on Relevant Experience
Closing Date:  April 4, 2024 at 4:30 pm

Who we are:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are vulnerable and historically disadvantaged.  NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 24 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Staff Lawyers help thousands of clients every year and spend much of their time in court. They are committed to helping overcome historical barriers to access to justice.  Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

Primary Functions:
The Staff Lawyer provides advice and legal representation on a broad range of legal matters primarily in Supreme and Provincial Court. The lawyer will give legal opinions, file legal documents, attend court proceedings, participate in mediation sessions, and offer useful advice to clients. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in community and other legal education in the areas of criminal law and related procedures.

Ideal Abilities and Skills:

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant criminal law.
  • Ability to manage a high caseload.
  • Be able to work with clients who have complex needs, creatively problem solves and works independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including comfort speaking with diverse people.
  • Must be skilled in negotiation, debate, and persuasion techniques.
  • Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
  • Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues.
  • Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
  • Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk, and advise clients.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
  • Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies.
  • Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Word and Outlook or equivalents.
  • Must have a valid driver’s licence.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Degree.
  • Practicing member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (and/or any other provincial law society).

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

If you are talented, hardworking and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to NSLA-Careers@nslegalaid.ca.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Social Justice Support Worker Position – Sydney

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

SOCIAL JUSTICE SUPPORT WORKER

 

Type of Employment:  Permanent
Location: 401-15 Dorchester Street, Sydney
Salary: PR 4 to PR 6 ($45,888.12 to $61,066.71)
Closing Date:  March 28, 2024 at 4:30 pm

Who we are:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers quality legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are systematically disadvantaged. NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 24 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Our staff are comprised of Staff Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Court Support Workers, Social Workers, a Social Justice Support Worker, and a Prison Law Support Worker. Our staff help thousands of clients every year. We are committed to helping overcome historical and ongoing barriers to access to justice and our Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Managing Lawyer(s) of the Sydney Office, the Social Justice Support Worker (SJSW) will provide a full range of services to ensure better client service and outcomes. This role also works closely with the Social Justice office in Halifax.  The successful candidate will play a significant role in the delivery of legal services to Nova Scotians by supporting clients navigating the legal system and helping them to resolve issues affecting their income and housing security in an effective and innovative manner. The SJSW will travel regularly to rural communities in Cape Breton providing direct service to clients and working collaboratively with community partners. Outreach is a significant component of the position.

The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s licence and access to a motor vehicle.

Ideal Abilities and Skills:

  • Good working knowledge of procedures for Residential Tenancy and other administrative tribunals, as well as Small Claims Court hearings.
  • Ability to face challenges, including developing new and innovative methods of responding to legal issues.
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative, and to use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the public, decision-makers and adjudicators, senior government officials, lawyers, and agencies within government in a tactful, professional and courteous manner.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy and capacity to work under tight deadlines and prioritize competing tasks.
  • Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
  • Proficiency with programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

This job posting is not a comprehensive listing of all the job requirements and is subject to change at any time and will include other tasks and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of a post-secondary education or a recognized paralegal program or equivalent.
  • Five (5) years of related work experience would be an asset.
  • Experience with Social Justice issues is an asset.
  • Commissioner of Oaths would be an asset.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

If you are talented, hardworking and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to NSLA-Careers@nslegalaid.ca.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.