Legal Services Technician 3 (Paralegal)

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service (PPS) operates under the direction of the Attorney General. With head office in Halifax and regional offices across the province, PPS prosecutes charges under the Criminal Code and Nova Scotia statutes, and provides advice to police in respect of prosecutions. The service is committed to fair and equal treatment in the prosecution of offences.

A current opportunity exists for a Legal Services Technician 3 (Paralegal) in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Head Office) or at regional offices. Under the supervision of the Supervisor, Support Services, the Legal Services Technician 3 (Paralegal) triages files, identifies relevant documents, conducts legal research, prepares legal documents and correspondence, manages and organizes files, and performs other administrative duties as assigned. The role supports Crown Attorneys by providing legal research and a range of case management services, and by preparing and processing legal documents and correspondence. The technician uses law libraries and online research tools such as QuickLaw, Westlaw and CanLii, and prepares comprehensive legal memoranda for pre-trial, trial and appellate proceedings. The position also involves managing large files and ongoing advice and prosecution files, and working collaboratively as part of the support team to assist with other administrative functions.

Responsibilities

• Triages files to determine relevance and required documents
• Conducts legal research and prepares comprehensive legal memoranda for Crown Attorneys at pre-trial, trial and appellate stages
• Prepares and processes legal documents and correspondence
• Manages and organizes files, including large ongoing advice and prosecution files
• Uses law libraries and online research tools (QuickLaw, Westlaw, CanLii)
• Collaborates with the support team and performs other administrative duties as assigned

Requirements

• Successful completion of a two-year Legal Services Technician program or Paralegal technology program from a recognized institution, with 6 years of verifiable experience (including experience in regulatory and criminal law); or an acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience

• Thorough knowledge of the Criminal Code, provincial statutes and regulations related to environmental issues, public health, animal welfare, food safety, aquaculture and wildlife, the Summary Proceedings Act, and the Crown Lands Act; ability to research legislative history

• Working knowledge of the criminal court process, including prosecutions procedures, legal documents and forms, court proceedings, and legal terminology

• Ability to use online legal research databases and library protocols; experience with law libraries is preferred

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong initiative, problem-solving ability, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to work accurately in a time-sensitive environment with sound judgment, and strong organizational and prioritization skills

• Willingness and ability to participate in assessments such as written examinations, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks; equivalencies in education and experience will be considered

• Other information

• Benefits are provided in accordance with the government’s employment status and union agreement, including a broad range of programs such as health, dental, life insurance, disability benefits, and vacation

• Working conditions typically involve a 35-hour work week (7 hours per day), with occasional overtime

• The organization offers career development support and flexible department-specific working arrangements

• Location: Halifax Head Office and regional offices across Nova Scotia