The Indigenous Justice Centre is a pro-bono law firm located in Calgary, also known as Moh-kíns-tsis (Blackfoot)/Wincheesh-pah (Stoney)/Kootsisáw (Tsuut’ina/Dene) and Otos-kwunee(Cree). The IJC is committed to providing service and access to justice to the Indigenous population within Calgary and the surrounding regions. The IJC is committed to providing a supportive and collegial team environment where staff works together to provide excellent and holistic legal services to our clients.
Ideal candidates are those looking for a challenge and an opportunity to play a role in the implementation of an innovative organization focused on reducing the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system and in restorative justice. Additionally, those interested in being on the front-line working in a fast-paced litigation-based office environment.
This position responds to referrals, inquiries and requests for information received by the IJC and completes Intake processes for services and legal counsel. It will support the IJC in maintaining a welcoming environment, triaging internal resources, and providing administrative support to staff lawyers and front office reception duties.
Key Outcomes:
1. Individuals accessing services are treated with respect.
2. Services and supports are triaged effectively to ensure access to services are effectively achieved.
3. The administrative needs of the organization are strengthened by timely and efficient responses.
4. Support in the management and organization of legal files.
A. Key Responsibilities Include:
· Provide administrative support to lawyers by ordering disclosure, entering intake forms, opening files and file management
· Provide clients with reminders of appointments and court dates
· Responds timely to client correspondence and ensure urgent matters are directed to lawyer
· Assist legal counsel by preparing for bail hearings by interviewing sureties and preparing documentation for court prior to bail hearing
· Assist legal counsel in performing legal research
· Complete administrative work related to trial preparations
· Draft legal documents
· Communicate with clients, crown prosecutors, and judicial assistants,
· Ensure Gladue Reports or Gladue Factors are included in client files with appropriate copies for court
· Reviewing and filing documents in adherence with the Alberta Rules of Provincial Court and Court of King’s Bench
· Supports training of legal assistant practicum students and volunteers
· Track legal data required for funding reports and proposals
· Maintain shared calendars and track client court dates/appearance
· Provide referrals to supports and services for those who do not meet IJC eligibility for services
· Maintain master calendar and ensure files are pulled to assigned legal counsel for court dates
Reception Duties:
· Perform general administrative duties including clerical duties, refer to receptionist checklist and binder
· Provide centralized intake services for legal services and agency programs
· Respond to inquiries and triage calls that come into the IJC
· Presents as the first face of the agency providing a welcoming and supportive space for all that access the IJC
· Schedules intakes, provides reminders of appointments
· Conducts administrative support to Senior Leadership
· Responds timely to correspondence coming into the agency and transfers all relative information to relevant internal parties
· Ensure urgent matters are directed to the correct internal party and addressed with immediacy
· Conducts ordering of supplies and materials with approval of Program Manager
· Provide systems navigation to external supports and services for those who do not meet IJC eligibility for services
· Supports training of practicum students and volunteers to assist at the front end of the IJC
B. Knowledge and Skills
Exhibited Skill Sets:
· Strong oral and written communication skills;
· Effective problem solving and interpersonal skills;
· Experience working with marginalized people, understanding of healing centered, trauma-informed service;
· Ability to think strategically;
· Effective time management and organizational skills;
· Exhibited capacity to build on professional network;
· Ability to take direction and achieve quality results;
· Self motivated with the ability to work independently, and proactively as a team player;
· Strong commitment to the vision and values of the Indigenous Justice Centre;
· Strong knowledge of the structure and procedures of Canada’s Criminal Justice System, including Gladue principles and case law;
· Personal commitment to professionalism and discretion, particularly when handling highly sensitive information that must be kept confidential.
Cultural:
· A strong understanding of Indigenous issues, social justice advocacy, diversity and anti-oppressive practice;
· Understanding of Indigenous restorative justice approaches;
· Knowledge of the structure of the Calgary Indigenous Court (asset not required)
· Strong cultural knowledge and/or understanding of traditional and ceremonial teachings (particularly regarding local Indigenous peoples and diverse Indigenous populations);
· Understanding of how to work effectively with Elders, Sacred Teachers and Knowledge Holders and follow traditional protocols;
· Ability to speak an Indigenous language (asset not required);
· Understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
Formal Education
Applicable Experience and Requirements
Completion of a Legal Assistant diploma, or Bachelor of Arts in Justice or Law and Society is an asset. Other diplomas may be considered.
· Previous legal assistant and/or administrative experience an asset
· Vulnerable Sector Check required
Pay: $44,900.00-$46,800.00 per year
Benefits:
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site gym
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Wellness program
Application question(s):
- Do you have Indigenous knowledge or lived experience?
- Do you have legal assistant experience?
Work Location: In person
