Paralegal (Legal Services Technician 3)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service (PPS) was established in 1990 as the first statutorily based independent prosecution service in Canada. The Public Prosecution Service is responsible for all prosecutions and appeals within the jurisdiction of the Attorney General.

With the guiding mission of providing fair and equal treatment in the prosecution of offences, the PPS prosecutes charges laid under the Criminal Code and under Nova Scotia statutes such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Head Office is in Halifax and there are regional offices located throughout the province.

The core functions of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service are to:

• Represent the Crown in the conduct of criminal trials and quasi-criminal appeals before all levels of courts
• Participate in the development of criminal law and criminal prosecutions policy
• Provide advice to police in respect of prosecutions generally or in respect of specific investigations

For more information on the Public Prosecution Service please visit https://novascotia.ca/pps/

 

About Our Opportunity

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Support Services the Legal Services Technician 3 (Paralegal) is responsible for triaging files, determining relevant documents, legal research, preparation of legal documents and correspondence, file management and organization, and other administrative functions and duties as assigned. 

Primary Accountabilities

The Legal Services Technician is responsible for providing Crown Attorneys with legal research and a variety of case management services, as well as the preparation and processing of legal documents and correspondence.  The Legal Services Technician utilizes law libraries and online legal research tools such as QuickLaw, Westlaw and CanLii.  The Legal Services Technician prepares comprehensive legal memoranda for the benefit of Crown Attorneys at the pre-trial, trial and appellate stages of proceedings.  The Legal Services Technician is responsible for case management of large files and file management of ongoing advice and prosecution files.  The Legal Services Technician works collaboratively as part of the support team to assist with other administrative functions and duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Successful completion of a two-year Legal Services Technician course or Paralegal technology course from a recognized institution with 6 years’ verifiable experience, some of which has been in the areas of regulatory and criminal law. An acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

A thorough knowledge of the Criminal Code, Provincial statutes and regulations relating to the environment, public health, animal welfare, food safety, aquaculture and wildlife, Summary Proceedings Act, and the Crown Lands Act, as well as having the ability to research legislative history is required.

You possess working knowledge of the criminal court process, in particular prosecutions procedures, including working with legal documents and forms, court proceedings and legal terminology as required.  You demonstrate an understanding of law libraries with the capability to use online legal research databases and library protocols as required.  You have excellent oral and written communications skills, a high degree of initiative, substantial problem-solving capability and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.  You have the ability to work accurately in a highly time sensitive environment utilizing sound judgement, strong organizational and prioritization skills.   

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Salary Information

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

 

Working Conditions

 

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
  

What We Offer

 

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules