Litigation Assistant

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Supervisor, Support Staff, the Litigation Assistant must work within existing guidelines and procedures and ensure compliance with legislation, the Alberta Rules of Court, Alberta Justice, and the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service Division. This role is integral to building greater efficiency and improved case flow in the courtroom and in the office. It is essential in assisting Crown Prosecutors attending docket court to review and attend to files timely, the day before docket court. 

To succeed in this role, you must have excellent communication skills and be comfortable attending court. You will be required to exercise a high level of professionalism, flexibility, and attention to detail. Candidates must have a desire to work within the justice system, ability to multitask, and have a good understanding of the Criminal Justice System, Court System, and legal administration. 

Candidates must be comfortable handling large quantities of sensitive and confidential information and exposure to potentially disturbing subject matter within prosecution files.

The primary responsibilities for the Litigation Assistant include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing and organizing court case files as part of pre and post court management.
• Attending docket court with Crown Prosecutor(s) to provide critical courtroom support.
• Responding to legal, procedural inquires and researching information to minimize court delays or adjournments.
• Using tools such as Word, Outlook, Prosecutor Information System Manager (PRISM), Justice On-Line Information Network (JOIN) and other case file resources as required.
• Working in a high volume, demanding environment and managing competing priorities in tight timelines.
• Maintaining professionalism when working with Crown Prosecutors, Defense Counsel or the General Public. 
  
  

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviours 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. The link below will assist you with understanding competencies: http://psc.alberta.ca/APSCompetencies

Competencies essential for this role include: 

Agility: Prioritize multiple tasks and projects, with the ability to accommodate other priorities as they arise, and maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and a changing environment.

Drive for Results: Use exceptional organizational and prioritization skills to meet tight deadlines and deliver quality work. 

Creative Problem Solving: Focus on continuous improvement and increasing breadth of insight using innovative ideas or existing processes to address both new and past problems.

Build Collaborative Environments: Actively engage with stakeholders and follow up on inquiries, requests, and concerns from stakeholders. Remain courteous and professional in stressful situations. 

Develop Networks: Maintain mutual internal and external networks with stakeholders and clients.

Qualifications

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Required

• High school diploma and a minimum of 2 years of related experience, preferably in a legal administration context.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice and Court System.
• Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational ability, attention to detail, teamwork, problem-solving and data entry skills.
• Resilience to handle sensitive and confidential information.
  
  

Assets

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook), Prosecutor Information System Manager (PRISM), and Justice On-Line Information Network (JOIN).
• Post-secondary Legal Assistant diploma or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and Criminal Code of Canada.

Notes

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks and any costs related to interview travel will be the responsibility of the candidate. (Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.)

Application Requirements:
As part of the application process, you are required to:

• Answer pre-screening questions
• Upload a resume
• Upload a cover letter

Ensure to indicate clearly on your cover letter that you are applying for the Litigation Assistant position with the Ministry of Justice (Reference: Job Requisition 76417). 

Please provide a valid email address and phone number with your application. 

Tips for Applicants: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-hiring-process.aspx

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•  Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.