Legal Assistant

The Ministry of 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. To follow this link find out more about our department

The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) prosecutes persons charged with Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and provincial statute offences. The ACPS promotes safe communities by vigorously prosecuting cases involving serious and violent crime, working with individuals and organizations in the community to identify and implement improved and alternative approaches to the administration of criminal justice. In addition, the ACPS develops criminal law policy for the province and supports criminal law consultation with other levels of government.

Information regarding the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) can be found by visiting our website at:

Role Responsibilities

Are you looking for a great opportunity to provide legal and administrative support for the prosecution of criminal and provincial offences? Do you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment? The Appeals and Specialized Prosecutions Office (ASO) of the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) has a few opportunities for Temporary Legal Assistant positions in their Appeals Office and in the Specialized Prosecutions Office in Edmonton.

As the successful candidate you will:

• Facilitate pre-charge consultation and/or contact with stakeholders.
• Manage witnesses, travel arrangements, including scheduling interviews, explaining the criminal process, answering and/or resolving questions and concerns.
• Liaise with external and internal stakeholders to ensure appropriate handling of criminal files.
• Manage, organize and maintain Crown files.
• Maintain Crown Prosecutor diaries and diarization system through Outlook.
• Vet, track and maintain disclosure/ using Law Prediscovery program.
• Prepare court brief (trial books) , Exhibit Books and Extracts of Key Evidence.
• Prepare and process documentation required for search warrant extensions.
• Prepare and file complex legal documentation such as Notices of Appeal, Notices of Motion, Orders and a wide variety of other court documents.
• Respond to and follow up enquiries from the public, defense counsel and the accused.
• Participate in legal research activities at the direction of Crown Prosecutors.
• Utilize the Justice Online Information Network (JOIN) and the Prosecutor Information System Manager (PRISM) to verify charges, court dates, assigned prosecutor, locations and subpoena witnesses.
• Create and complete all forms of correspondence.
• Perform specialized ad hoc administrative tasks as assigned
• Cover reception duties
• Assist other Legal Assistants as required.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A comprehensive understanding of the Justice system and processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work with stakeholders in a professional manner.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of people
• Strong working knowledge of office procedures and computer programs such as the Justice Online Information Network (JOIN), PRISM, Microsoft Office, Database programs and Adobe Pro.

Please

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:

To be successful in the role you will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Agility – Must be able to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience, and work effectively in changing environments
• Drive for Results – Sets goals and prioritizes work to accomplish them. Follows through on duties and tasks and reports on progress.
• Develop Self and Others – Desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of self and others
• Build Collaborative Environments – Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.
• Develop Networks – Proactively builds networks, connects and build trust in relationships with different stakeholders
• Systems Thinking – Understands how work contributes to the achievement of departmental goals. Anticipates changes in own area based on activities in other areas.
• Creative Problem Solving – Have the ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Qualifications

Two-year diploma in a related field such as a Legal Assistant, Paralegal or Criminology, plus a minimum of one year progressively responsible related experience working in a legal administrative role within an office setting.

Equivalencies considered:
Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education

Required:

• Experience working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Adobe).
• Experience working in a legal administrative role within an office environment