NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION - LEGAL ASSISTANT
Type of Employment: Term with potential for permanencyLocation: Sydney Office, 401-15 Dorchester Street, SydneySalary: TE 13-1 to TE 19-5 ($44,709.86 to $64,886.64)Closing Date: May 13, 2026 at 12:00 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 25 offices and 3 sub-offices. Our staff are comprised of staff lawyers, legal assistants, paralegals, court support workers, social workers, social justice support workers, and a prison law support worker, and they help thousands of clients every year. We are committed to providing access to justice, and to protecting the rights of individuals.
We value a workplace where diversity is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative and rewarding workplace. 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-seeking groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your application.
Primary Functions
Reporting to the Management Team and under the direction of staff lawyers, the Legal Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support in family law, criminal law and social justice law to staff lawyers in day-to-day case management. To uphold our access-to-justice philosophy, commitment to client service is essential. The Legal Assistant is expected to develop a broad range of knowledge relating to the functions, activities, policies and practices of the NSLAC.
Ideal Abilities and Skills
* Effectively manage incoming calls and assist clients at reception (application, inquiries, etc.)
* Prepare documents and correspondence with attention to spelling and grammar
* Assure timely preparation and accuracy of family/criminal court-related documents including Orders, affidavits, financial statements, petitions, etc.
* Work independently, take initiative, and use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity
* Work with clients who have complex needs
* Work in a fast-paced environment as part of a team
* Demonstrate time-management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines
* Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with clients, organizations, and co-workers from diverse backgrounds
* Work with computer software packages including MS Office and Outlook
* Comply with NSLAC's policies and procedures
* All other duties as required
Qualifications
* Post-secondary diploma in Business Administration or Paralegal (or equivalent training and related relevant experience)
* 2 years of experience with family law cases, criminal court practices, social justice matters, procedures and systems is an asset but not required
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