NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION
APPEALS OFFICE PARALEGAL (CRIMINAL)
Type of Employment: 1-year term with potential for permanency
Location: Halifax Appeals Office – 401-5475 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Salary: TE 22-1 to TE 22-5 ($62,478.00 to $73,476.26)
Closing Date: June 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Who we are:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers legal aid services throughout the province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are vulnerable and historically disadvantaged. NSLAC’s focus is on the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.
NSLAC employs staff in 25 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the province. Our staff are comprised of Staff Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Court Support Workers, Social Workers, a Social Justice Support Worker, and a Prison Law Support Worker. Our staff helps thousands of clients every year. We are committed to helping overcome historical and ongoing barriers to access to justice, and our Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.
We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens and communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented and equity-deserving groups such as Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians and other racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and women in underrepresented roles. If you are a member of one or more of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your electronic application, cover letter, or resume.
Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Managing Lawyer and working under the direction of Staff Lawyers, the Criminal Appeals Paralegal will provide specialized support in appellate criminal matters before the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.
This role focuses on assisting counsel with all aspects of criminal appeals, including preparation of factums, books of authorities, appeal books, bail pending appeal applications, and motion materials more broadly. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex and time-sensitive files.
Ideal Attributes and Skills:
· Strong legal research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills
· Ability to review legal materials and assist in preparing case summaries, research memoranda, and draft materials
· Excellent attention to detail, including strong grammar, editing, and document formatting abilities
· Demonstrated time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
· Strong organizational skills to effectively support both administrative and paralegal functions
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook) and Adobe for document preparation, formatting, and PDF management
· Experience organizing information into clear charts, tables, and summaries
· Ability to meet with clients and witnesses, including administering oaths and assisting with the preparation and swearing of affidavits and sureties
· Ability to read and work with complex and sensitive subject matter, including material involving violence and graphic details
· Works effectively independently and within a team
· Sound judgment and a demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality
· Experience assisting with criminal appeals, including preparation of materials for appeals and bail pending appeal proceedings is considered an asset
Qualifications:
· Post‑secondary diploma in Legal Administration or Paralegal Studies (minimum two‑year program), with at least 6 years of relevant experience; or
· An equivalent combination of education and a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience supporting legal counsel
· A university degree and/or coursework in criminal justice or legal studies would be considered an asset
If you are talented, hardworking and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.
Please indicate position title, office location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the posting in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $62,478.00-$73,476.26 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
