Competition # : 42307

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU – NSPG

Closing Date: ​31-Mar-24 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Legal Services Division of the Department of Justice is the government’s law office, responsible for the provision of all legal services (excluding prosecutions) to the Province of Nova Scotia.

The lawyers in the Legal Services Division provide legal advice and services on a broad range of matters to the Government and many of its agencies, boards and commissions. The Legal Services Division consists of Solicitor Services, Litigation Services and the Registry of Regulations.

About Our Opportunity

As the Paralegal you will provide lawyers with a variety of case and file management services and assist with the conduct of various stages of litigation.  In this role, one can expect to collect, prepare, organize and process legal documentation while assisting litigators to prepare pleadings, motions, discoveries, pre-trial procedures and trials.

You would assume responsibility for tasks ranging from drafting correspondence to carrying out comprehensive legal research.  You will also maintain legal databases, which involves coding, indexing and characterization of evidence and information related to litigation, as well as searching and retrieving documents and information.  Ensuring accuracy and integrity of paper and electronic data is part of this role, including working and complying with policies, legislation, regulations and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will have completion of a 2 year paralegal technology course from a recognized institution and have 6 years of progressively responsible experience supporting a lawyer in their practice, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.

You will be highly skilled in the use of a computer, including document management software, Microsoft Office Package, and Adobe software.  This includes experience working with a litigation support database and e-discovery software.

Your high level of initiative, judgement and decision-making skills, along with the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines is needed.  As is your ability to handle high volumes of information within time constraints while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and balancing conflicting demands.

You will be able to function independently and as a member of a team.  As well, you will recognize the importance of maintaining security and confidentiality of records at all times.

The following would be considered assets in this role:

• Proficiency using WestlawNext Canada software to conduct legal research
• Experience working in a litigation environment
• Knowledge and experience scanning, coding, running searches, and working with scanned images in an e-discovery database

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• This position offers an option for flexible work arrangements

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of Feb 26, 2025.  The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade:  TE 21  

Salary Range:  $2,094.57 – $2,453.99 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and 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.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Apply now

Posted: March 19, 2024