Confidential Recruitment
Position Title: Legal Assistant (Intermediate – Senior)
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Office Location: Downtown Edmonton, AB
Employment Type: Full-Time / In-Office
Law Firm: Criminal Defense
Reports To: Managing Partner / Assigned Criminal Defence Lawyers.
Position Summary
Our confidential client, a well renown criminal defence law firm, is seeking an experienced and highly organized Legal Secretary to provide administrative and legal support to lawyers handling a wide range of criminal matters. The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of legal procedures, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This role is suited to an intermediate to senior-level legal professional who can work independently while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and client service.
Roles and Responsibilities
Legal and Administrative Support
- Prepare, draft, format, proofread, and revise legal correspondence, court documents, pleadings, applications, affidavits, and other legal materials.
- Manage lawyers’ calendars, court appearances, meetings, deadlines, and limitation periods.
- Coordinate and schedule client meetings, consultations, and court-related appointments.
- Open, maintain, organize, and close physical and electronic client files.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure all documentation is filed appropriately.
Court and File Management
- Prepare and file court documents with the Alberta Court of Justice, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, and appellate courts, both electronically and in person as required.
- Monitor court deadlines and ensure timely filing and service of legal documents.
- Request, organize, and review disclosure packages, transcripts, court records, and other evidentiary materials.
- Coordinate with court clerks, Crown prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other legal stakeholders.
Client Relations
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, providing professional and empathetic assistance while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicate with clients regarding appointments, documentation requirements, court dates, and case status updates as directed by counsel.
- Assist clients with completing forms and gathering required information and documentation.
Practice Support
- Support the preparation of billing, trust requests, expense reports, and account-related documentation in accordance with firm policies and Law Society requirements.
- Assist lawyers with trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, witness materials, disclosure, legal research materials, and trial briefs.
- Coordinate travel arrangements and logistics for court appearances and client meetings when required.
- Support the implementation and maintenance of office procedures, document management systems, and best practices.
Confidentiality and Compliance
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information and legal matters.
- Ensure compliance with applicable court rules, Law Society of Alberta requirements, privacy legislation, and firm policies.
- Stay informed regarding procedural changes affecting criminal law practice and court operations.
Qualifications
Education
- Legal Assistant Diploma, Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate, or equivalent post-secondary education in legal administration.
- Equivalent combinations of education and directly related legal experience may be considered.
Experience
- Intermediate Level: Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a legal secretary or legal assistant in a law firm environment.
- Senior Level: Minimum 5+ years of experience as a legal secretary or legal assistant, with significant experience supporting lawyers in criminal law, litigation, or related practice areas.
- Experience working with Alberta courts and legal filing systems is highly preferred.
- Experience managing complex legal files and multiple lawyer calendars is an asset. Experience supporting criminal defence lawyers in Alberta.
- Familiarity with electronic filing systems and digital court processes.
- Knowledge of legal billing and trust accounting procedures.
- Experience preparing trial materials and managing disclosure documentation
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of criminal law procedures, court processes, and legal documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Experience using legal practice management and document management software.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in document preparation.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Professional, client-focused demeanor with strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to a team environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to discretion, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
Compensation
Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits and professional development opportunities.
We thank all applicants but only individuals meeting the qualifications will be contacted.
Work Location: In person
