Judicial Assistant (Legal)

Important messages

For this selection process, our intention is to communicate with applicants by e-mail for screening/assessment purposes (including issuing screening results, and sending invitations for written tests and interviews). Applicants who apply to this selection process must include in their application a valid e-mail address and make sure this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users.

You will be required to show how you demonstrate the essential qualifications (i.e. Education and Experience) for the initial screening in answering online screening questions.
It is NOT sufficient to only state that the qualifications are met or to provide a listing of current or past responsibilities. Rather you must clearly demonstrate HOW, WHEN, and WHERE the qualification was met through substantiation by examples. Information on your described skills, experience, etc. provided in screening questions should be supported by your resume. Failure to provide the above information in the format required may result in your application being rejected from the process. If you do not fully complete the screening questions as instructed, you may be screened out.

A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process. Asset qualifications may be applied in this selection process. Only online applications will be accepted in order to take advantage of the many benefits of using the electronic recruitment system. Some of the benefits for applicants include that you can:
- modify your application/resume at any time BEFORE the closing date,
- complete screening questions which will highlight your qualifications to the hiring manager,
- verify the status of your application and notification(s), at any time, and
- be notified electronically of assessment details and results.

Persons who are unable to apply on-line must contact the Human Resources Advisor listed below prior to the closing date.

Duties

Position highlights:
Within the Courts Administration Service offering services to the Federal Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, the Court Martial Appeal Court and the Tax Court of Canada:
Provides executive, administrative and legal support services as well as office management services to one or more Judges or Prothonotaries.
Manages and coordinates the schedule and agenda of assigned Judges or Prothonotaries.
Provides logistical support, makes travel and hospitality arrangements for the assigned Judges or Prothonotaries.
Plans, organizes and implements arrangements for the appointments and attendance at meetings, committees and seminars for assigned Judges or Prothonotaries as required.
Monitors and submits incidental, travel, and conference allowance claims for the assigned Judges or Prothonotaries in accordance with the applicable policy, directives and guidelines.
Prepares decisions including drafting, reviewing, proofreading, editing and formatting of decisions.

Work environment

Daily exposure to the pressure of deadlines and the changing, frequently conflicting, priorities and requirements for the assigned Judges and Prothonotaries.
Working in a demanding environment and required to very quickly adapt to competing demands.
Work in an environment where the security is enhanced.

Intent of the process

This process will be used to staff the above positions; it may also be used to establish a pool of prequalified or qualified candidates to staff similar or identical positions with various tenure, various bilingual linguistic profiles and security requirements within the Courts Administration Service

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Completion of a post-secondary school program, certificate or diploma related to the position, such as paralegal studies or legal studies OR an acceptable combination of education, training or experience related to the position.

Degree equivalency

Extensive* and recent** experience as a judicial or legal assistant or legal secretary in a legal, judicial or quasi-judicial environment.

Definitions:
*Extensive: refers to the depth and breadth of experience associated with the performance of a broad range of relevant activities which were primarily the candidate’s responsibility on a regular and continuous basis for a period of approximately three years.
**Recent: during the past five years.

Experience in using a computer and the Microsoft Office Suite software.

Experience in proofreading and editing legal documents.

Experience in preparing (e.g. typing, formatting and editing) lengthy documents within tight deadlines.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Experience in transcribing information from voice recordings or handwritten notes or electronically transmitted legal texts or digital audio recordings.

Experience using a database.

Experience working for several people at the same time and juggling conflicting priorities and deadlines for these people.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Bilingual - Imperative (CCC/CCC)
Other various bilingual profiles: Bilingual imperative, BBB/BBB, BBC/BBC, CBC/CBC, CCB/CCB.

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of legal terminology.
Knowledge of legal research tools.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to proofread, edit and format legal documents.
Ability to effectively plan, establish priorities, meet deadlines in a workplace where the workload can be heavy and demanding.
Ability to schedule travel and accommodation arrangements, including the preparation of itineraries and agendas.

Adaptability
Attention to details
Discretion
Effective interpersonal skills
Initiative
Judgment
Reliability

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Ability and willingness of working from 9am to 5pm.
Ability and willingness to work overtime on short notice.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.