We are a rapidly growing and dedicated team (6 Council members & 100+ employees) We currently have 10 IJCs (Merritt, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Chilliwack, Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Surrey and the Virtual IJC which serves Indigenous people across the rest of BC). We are opening 6 new IJCs this year.Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs, so we are seeking an experienced Legal Assistant who shares our vision and understands the gravity of the work to join our team in Kelowna.
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.
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.
Position Summary:
The Legal Assistants provide office and administrative supports to the IJC staff lawyers, focusing on criminal defence and child protection matters.
Please note that this job description will continue to evolve with the possibility of a formal change at a future date. This position requires the ability to flex and continue to develop the job duties and responsibilities in a way that responds to the operational needs of the organization This position may be asked to provide Legal Assistant support to a BCFNJC pilot project.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Meet with potential clients to determine eligibility to receive legal services.
- Meet with clients to conduct initial intake interviews and additional follow up appointments as required to keep clients informed of their court matters.
- Facilitate collaboration with the outreach team to ensure the needs of the client are met in an approach to the IJCs wrap around services.
- Have a client focused approach to services and the ability to hold space for clients to ensure the client feels supported.
- Provide additional supports across the IJC teams as required.
- Prepare legal documents (i.e. affidavits, subpoenas, factums, applications and orders, etc.) upon instruction of IJC staff lawyers.
- Prepare and arrange filing of court documents and ensure proper presentation of material for court.
- Prepare books of authorities, and order and log transcript requests.
- 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.
- Perform the witness management function by locating and notifying witnesses; arranging appointments and travel requirements; and processing witness expenses for witnesses and/or expert witnesses.
- Document receipt of disclosure (legal documents, photographs, audio or videotaped statements, log materials).
- Respond to enquiries from Crown Counsel, clients and witnesses (who may at times be under emotional stress).
- 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.
- Other tasks and duties as required at the discretion of the Staff Lawyer.
- Maintain confidentiality of client-related information.
- Participate in IJCs proactive approach to staff wellness.
- Ensure data is collected and entered into appropriate systems to facilitate accurate reporting of files within the IJC.
- Contribute to the collaborative 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.
- Cover reception desk as required.
- Comply with BCFNJC policies and procedures
- Other duties as assigned.
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.
- Knowledge of First Nations practices and culture.
- 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.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, problem solve and take initiative.
- Understanding of interdisciplinary approach and respect for non-legal supports.
- Commitment to collaborative team environment.
- A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be a condition of employment.
Reporting: This position reports to the Legal Supports Supervisor; daily operations oversight by local Managing Lawyer
Locations: Prince George, BC
Office Type: In-Office
Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 annually
Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans
Fixed Term: 1 year with the possibility of an extension
Hours: Full-time (35hours/ week); 8:30am - 4:30pm Mondays to Fridays
While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.
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