PARALEGAL – Paralegal

The Team
The Natural Resources, Transportation, and Indigenous Legal Group (NATRIL), Legal Services Branch, Ministry of Attorney General, is an established team of around 150 professionals.  

Within NATRIL, there is one unit dedicated to historical research, and four units dedicated to unique areas of law that involve both solicitor work, as well as civil litigation.  

The Attorney General is the legal advisor to the government of British Columbia and is charged with ensuring that the administration of public affairs is carried out in accordance with the law. The Ministry of Attorney General is structured to carry out this mandate under the direction of the Attorney General, and Legal Services Branch supports the Ministry in fulfilling this mandate by serving as legal advisor to government in civil law matters. Legal Services Branch provides legal advice to government and ensures that legal risks associated with government operations are reduced. Legal Services Branch’s clients include all Ministries of the government, Cabinet and certain public agencies.

The Role
Are you an experienced paralegal?  Are you seeking an opportunity that will allow you to advance in your career path?

If so, this is the perfect opportunity to utilize your strong paralegal skills, and to advance your career within the BC Public Service!  The Natural Resources, Transportation and Indigenous Legal Group, Indigenous Legal Relations, Barrister Unit, Legal Services Branch, Ministry of Attorney General, is recruiting a skilled and knowledgeable paralegal for a regular, full-time position.  If you have current experience working as a paralegal in civil litigation in a Canadian jurisdiction, we want to hear from you! 

Within Legal Services Branch, the Natural Resources, Transportation and Indigenous Legal Group – Indigenous Legal Relations, Barrister Unit, is responsible for responding to litigation involving claims related to Aboriginal and treaty rights as described in s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. 
You can expect in the Indigenous Legal Relations, Barrister Unit, a supportive, friendly and inclusive workplace culture where teamwork and respect are top priorities, and a workplace that is fully accessible.  If you are an efficient and confident individual, with strong interpersonal skills, and a self-starter with a mature work ethic, we are looking for you!

The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of civil procedure and will be expected to provide exceptional paralegal support to counsel in the preparation and conduct of litigation.  Duties include identifying client privilege issues respecting documents collected in the course of document discovery in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules, organizing exhibits, ensuring that all documentary evidence required to be produced is located and produced, reviewing information for the purpose of document disclosure, performing research and analysis in relation to case law, conducting registry searches, and drafting a variety of pleadings.

A high standard in the delivery of legal support, strong initiative and self-motivation, as well as the ability to work well under pressure are highly valued in this busy work environment.  Excellent time management and organizational skills, the ability to prioritize, along with flexibility in responding to shifting work demands are required, including the ability to work overtime when necessary.  The successful candidate will also have a keen attention to detail, as well as exceptional proofreading and editing skills.  Good interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.
The successful candidate will have experience using relevant statutes, regulations, case law and practice directives, and will also have experience using computer software tools and techniques used for legal purposes.

In order to be considered for these positions, your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed below.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience Requirements

• Paralegal Certificate, Diploma or Degree from a recognized institution. Candidates will be required to provide proof of completion of a paralegal certificate/diploma/degree or equivalent.
   

Preference may be given to applicants with one (1) or more of the following

• Applicants who have experience working in a legal environment.
• Applicants with at least four (4) years of current* BC civil litigation experience.
   

(*Current experience is defined as within the last four (4) years.)

• Applicants with Aboriginal litigation experience.
• Applicants with experience with legal software programs. 
• Preference may be given to applicants who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) with the required combination of education and experience.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Jeff.Echols@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
We currently have one regular, full-time position.
This position is excluded from union membership.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

What do we have to offer?
Regular, Full-Time Employees and Benefits:

• Paid vacation (20 working days to start).
• Leave for personal matters (family illness, weddings, birth or adoption, funeral leave, cultural leave for Indigenous employees, household emergencies and moving, etc.).
• Extended health and dental care, pension plan and life insurance.
• Pacific Leaders scholarships for public servants, as well as for children of public servants.
   

Other:

• Employee assistance program available 24/7.
• Internal corporate learning and education available to all BC Public Service employees.
• Accessible worksite, BC Transit ProPASS available for purchase through payroll deductions, and the worksite is near a city parkade.
   

Onsite Complementary Amenities:

• Two secure bike rooms, small workout room, shower rooms and lockers.

The capital of British Columbia, Victoria, is a beautiful city with stunning beaches and harbours, and a variety of Provincial parks to explore.  Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria offers a bustling downtown scene and has a wide range of restaurants and entertainment venues to choose from. 
 

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities.  For more information, please see What We Offer.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

Cover Letter: YES – A cover letter is required as part of your application. The content and/or format of your cover letter may be evaluated as part of the assessment process.

Resume: YES – Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES – You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.

Additional Information:
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.