Legal Assistant

at  Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child Family Services

Please visit www.binnoojiiyag.ca/careers/ for the complete job posting and application process. Please apply in the manner specified in the job posting.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Education and Experience Requirements:
• A Legal Assistant or Office Administration Diploma or related education from an accredited community college OR;
• High School Diploma with emphasis on administrative courses combined with two to three years related office experience.
• Previous experience in the child protection legal field with proven skills in drafting of child protection legal documents would be an asset.
• Experience working within an Indigenous Child-Wellbeing setting would be considered an asset.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Reporting to the In-House Legal Counsel, the Legal Assistant is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support to the Legal Services Department, including the preparation of all court documents and materials to be presented as part of a protection or status review application under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017. Although the Legal Assistant does not engage directly with our children, youth, or families, the legal contributions provided by this position plays an essential role in ensuring that we are providing a process that is executed smoothly and efficiently. By preparing legal documentation and coordinating with various stakeholders, the Legal Assistant helps create the foundation upon which legal counsel can advocate for the safety and well-being of our Indigenous children, youth and families. In this way, the Legal Assistant contributes indirectly but meaningfully to support the care, cultural continuity and development of our children, youth and families. The incumbent works within the guidelines and procedures established by the department and contributes to the overall mission and work of the Legal Services Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative:

• Prepare, edit, format, and process court and other documents, including but not limited to Affidavits of Service, Protection and Status Review Applications, Notices of Hearing, Agreed Statements of Facts, Plans of Care, Child Welfare Warrants, Summonses, and any other court related documentation.
• Assist Agency staff such as Family Service Workers with the preparation and finalization of legal documentation.
• Attend legal consults with Agency Counsel.
• Attend Court on behalf of Agency Counsel if requested, for example, to address a request for an adjournment.
• Assist in notifying Agency staff in advance of court dates and filing due dates.
• Schedule legal conferences, meetings, etc. as requested.
• Request transcripts.
• Commission legal documents such as Affidavits.
• Coordinate filing within department for various activities including, but not limited to:
• Prepare files for court appearances, including opening/closing files, organizing all material in the appropriate format within the file (e.g., PDF), and ensuring that file information is current and accurate.
• File court materials for each court appearance in advance of the appearance, in accordance with the Family Law Rules and any applicable practice direction issued by the Courts in the judicial region (e.g., Central East).
• Filing material includes issuing and filing pleadings, court confirmations, updating all continuing records, updating the Table of Contents, and forwarding a copy of the updated Table of Contents to all parties.
• Prepare, coordinate, and distribute various documents and forms within the legal department, including, but not limited to:
• All necessary documentation, such as letters, memos, pleadings, applications, motions, plans of care and orders.
• Serve and file documentation with the appropriate court.
• Processing of legal documents as requested by the Executive Director or assigned counsel or Legal Services Manager.
• Serving Court Orders on those entitled under the Rules to receive them and commissioning an Affidavit of Service
• Ensuring delivery of all required documents as per First Nation protocols, where applicable.
• Subsequent to a court appearance, ensuring that copies of all necessary endorsements are obtained, filing any necessary outstanding material, and obtaining photocopies of filed original consents as required and uploading documents onto CPIN.
• Obtaining certified copies of final orders.
• Ensuring adjournment dates are diarized and inputted in the calendar, distributing court reports to the appropriate Agency staff and supervisors, and filing copy in legal file
• Assist counsel in preparing for trial, including preparation of all pre-trial notices, Trial Records, Trial Management Conference Briefs, Expert Report Briefs, Case Briefs and Document Exhibit Books and scheduling of witnesses.
• Forwarding or responding to internal and external inquiries
• File and organize legal documents including mail, faxes and inter-office mail according to applicable office practices.
• Provides administrative support such as photocopying, faxing, and distributing materials.
• Maintains a docket/tickler system for all court matters, which come before the court, advising appropriate staff (e.g., Family Service Workers, Supervisors, etc.) of court dates, requirements etc. and distribute copies of court decisions.
• Arrange, where necessary, for outside process servers for service of documents and manage any account payable with Finance.
• Arranges for fax, courier or other delivery of legal documentation as required.

• Files all necessary case information according to Agency and legislative requirements.Maintain closed legal files for storage/microfilming in collaboration with the Records Information Department and in CPIN.