Judicial Paralegal

Government of Alberta

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Alberta Justice helps ensure that all Albertans can live in safe and resilient communities while having access to a fair and innovative justice system. Working alongside its partners in law enforcement, family justice, health, the judiciary, criminal justice system and other stakeholders, the ministry has a direct or shared responsibility in all elements of the justice system in Alberta. The Court of King’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Court of Justice. Judicial Assistants/Paralegal are senior frontline representatives of the Court and Alberta Justice, supporting the judiciary, counsel, and litigants in the Alberta Justice system. You will be responsible for managing executive administrative and paralegal functions related to members of the judiciary, including decision preparation, formatting, and filing; arranging travel; calendar management, committee work, and other executive assistant duties as required. You will also provide back-up to the other Judicial Assistant/Paralegal positions. Your excellent knowledge of the Court system, Court procedures and relevant legislation will allow you to identify and deal quickly with complex technical problems as they arise. You will ensure proper compliance with legislation, rules, practice notes and notices to the profession, while at the same time assisting in the efficient managing of matters before the court. You will have daily contact with the judiciary, lawyers, Court personnel, unrepresented litigants and others. Your excellent interpersonal skills will be needed to liaise with these key stakeholders before, during, and subsequent to Court proceedings. The successful candidates must act in a responsible and professional manner reflecting the fair and equitable delivery of justice in Alberta. As a Judicial Assistant/Paralegal, working in a team environment as well as independently, you will be responsible for providing executive administrative and legal support to five Justices of the Court of King’s Bench.

Requirements

Strong communication (oral and written) and problem-solving skills.
Excellent typing and computer skills.
Highly organized.
Advanced proofreading skills.
Highly motivated and creative in managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Must have worked solely for at least three executives, lawyers, or judges at a given time.
Excellent attendance.
High level of professionalism, flexibility, and attention to detail.
Strong leadership skills.
Well-developed ability to work independently.
Excellent knowledge of the court system, court procedures and relevant legislation.
Ability to identify and deal quickly with complex technical problems.
A good working knowledge of law procedures and practices.
Ability to work with highly confidential information.
Agility: Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, manage resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
Develop Networks: Proactively building networks, connecting and building trust in relationships with different stakeholders.
Build Collaborative Environments: Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.
Systems Thinking: The work done within the APS is part of a larger integrated and inter-related environment. It is important to know that work done in one part of the APS impacts a variety of other groups/projects inside and outside the APS. Systems Thinking allows us to keep broader impacts and connections in mind.
Creative Problem Solving: Ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.
A two-year diploma in a related field (e.g., Legal Assistant, Legal Administration, and Paralegal) supplemented with at least two years progressively responsible related experience.
Equivalencies will be considered on the basis of one year of education for one year of related legal experience or one year of legal experience for one year of related education.
Lifting/moving up to 25 pounds.
Bending, walking or using the elevator to access different floors within the courthouse, and pushing or pulling a cart for file movement between floors.
Typing speed of at least 60 WPM is required.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a Judicial Assistant/Paralegal/ Executive Assistant/Legal Assistant.
A Legal Assistant Diploma.
Experience working in a Court environment, preferably with the Court of Kings Bench.
Experience working in an M365 environment.
Worked solely for at least three lawyers, justices or executives at a given time for more than 6 months.

Responsibilities

Managing calendars and limited scheduling duties.
Documenting and processing various claims/expenses.
Typing, formatting, editing and proofreading judgments, including research, to ensure accuracy of the finished product prior to filing.
Carrying out legal research and analysis for diverse and complex issues associated with cases.
Preparing materials for court and/or attending court/meetings.
Handling sensitive and confidential information.
Providing comprehensive file management and associated consultation and specialized services for assigned cases.
Handling incoming telephone inquiries.
Coordinating travel arrangements often of a complex nature.
Coordinating meetings and conferences, which includes organizing and assembling all documents required.
Performing backup duties for other Judicial Assistants/Paralegals.
Performing other related tasks as requested.