About BCFNJC:
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.
The BCFNJC is growing rapidly. We are seeking team members who share our vision, understand the gravity of the work, are excited by the opportunity and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.
Indigenous Justice Centres:
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 house Legal and Wrap Around Services 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.
BCFNJC integrates staff wellness into daily operations, recognizing that IJC teams may carry the weight of IJC clients’ experiences of injustice and trauma. All staff are part of a proactive approach to wellness that includes access to cultural supports, attention to physical and mental health and reasonable workloads. 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.
Position Summary:
The Legal Assistant provides office and administrative supports to the IJC staff lawyers, focusing on criminal defence and child protection matters and works collaboratively with the Resource and Support Worker as a member of the Client Services Team.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Drafting and filing of legal documents (i.e. applications, orders, requisitions, affidavits, book of authorities, etc.) upon instruction of IJC staff lawyers.
- Open, update, maintain, and close client files and records in the case management platform (Clio), in accordance with BCFNJC policies and procedures.
- Ensure client files are continuously updated in the file management system (Clio) and enter data as required in alignment with organizational reporting requirements.
- Request, receive, review and organize disclosure and documents from Crown Counsel, opposing counsel, Ministry staff, and clients as directed by staff lawyers.
- Maintain the lawyer’s calendar and Bring Forward System to ensure timely response to correspondence, compliance with limitation periods, appointments, meetings, court attendance, etc.
- Arrange telephone and video conferencing for meetings and court appearances.
- Contribute to the collaborative approach to wrap-around services and with the IJC team to maintain a welcoming, high-functioning centre by supporting colleagues and community partners.
- Attend community engagements, events and activities that support building and maintaining relationships with communities, IJC staff, and BCFNJC.
- Coverage support including reception desk and conduct intakes as required.
- Comply with BCFNJC policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Work Experience:
- 2+ years' experience as a legal assistant.
- Experience in criminal law or child protection considered a strong asset but not required.
- Knowledge and respect of Indigenous practices and culture.
- Proficiency in record keeping, Outlook, Internet, Adobe and standard computer applications in MS Office
- Ability to use tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgment when dealing with sensitive situations and confidential material.
- Knowledge of Clio practice management software is an asset.
- Self-motivation 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 and positive team environment.
- A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be a condition of employment.
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Reporting: Reports to the Legal Supports Supervisor; daily operations oversight by Lawyer.
Location: Cranbrook, BC
Office type: In-office, Cranbrook IJC
Pay Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually
Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes extended health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans.
Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week); Mondays to Fridays, 8:30am - 4:30pm
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.
