Legal Assistant

Department of Justice Canada- National Litigation Sector - Northern Regional Office Closing date:January 21, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time Selection process number 2025-JUS-EA-158798 Location Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), Whitehorse (Yukon) Salary $61,786 to $69,106 - In addition to your base salary, you will receive an Isolated Post Allowance Level AS-01 Who can apply Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad. For positions located in Yukon, candidates who meet the essential qualifications and identify as members of the Yukon First Nations will be appointed first; followed by candidates who meet the essential qualifications and identify as Indigenous Peoples. Duties This is an opportunity to join the Northern legal team of Justice Canada as a Legal Assistant. The legal assistants in the Northern Regional Office are an integral part of the legal team. Main functions include: opening and closing files, drafting letters and preparing court filings, organizing legal records, booking travel, answering general phone calls, and monitoring the main entrance of the Office. Given the varied general legal practice of the office, there is always something new going on. And given the limited staff, there is also always something new to learn. We are looking for an individual, with an interest and a capacity to learn, and a willingness to share knowledge. Work environment Whitehorse is a small Northern community in the Yukon. There are approximately 30,000 residents, and the next ‘big’ city in any direction is a nearly 1500km away. Whitehorse is nestled in the Yukon River valley, surrounded by gentle, but often snow covered mountains. The Territory as a whole is infused with longstanding and varied Indigenous cultures, and more recently (but in a historic sense) a gold rush culture. The Territory in the summer is hit with 24 hours of daylight, and is overwhelmed by organized sporting events, and cultural and musical festivals. The land and the lively cultures in the Territory have a significant impact on those that work in the Whitehorse office. While each person that works here places great importance on serving the needs of our departmental clients, and we put in our share of hours at the Office, so do we place importance on enjoying the environment we live in. Both are highly valued, and both are promoted here. Yellowknife is a city with a population of approximately 20,000 residents, situated on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake in typical Canadian Shield landscape. The story of Yellowknife is a rich and colourful one, still very much on display today. It is easy to find and experience ancient and modern indigenous culture, tradition and influence and see evidence of the humble beginnings of the community founded on the fur trading empire and later the search for precious metals. Mining has moved from precious metals largely, to diamonds. Vintage planes and ice roads still provide steady service to surrounding communities. Yellowknife is an eclectic mix of old and new, an important cultural landmark and a gateway to much of Canada’s North. Those who work in the Yellowknife Office have chosen to work and live in the North given that work‑life balance is not only encouraged but easily achieved. Intent of the process This process is anticipatory. A pool of partially or fully qualified candidates may be established to staff similar positions within the Department of Justice with various tenures, various linguistic requirements, various operational requirements and/or various conditions of employment. Please note that if successful and offered a position, you will be required to relocate to the location of the position in either Whitehorse or Yellowknife. Important messages When submitting an application to this selection process, you will be prompted to answer screening questions concerning the essential and asset education and experience qualifications. It is your responsibility to provide clear and concrete examples in your responses to each question, including when (from‑to), where (occupational title, organization) and how you obtained your education and experience. It is recommended that you describe the experience examples in specific terms, providing sufficient details so that the Assessment Board can clearly understand. The content of your response must be supported by your resume as your responses to these questions will be used as a primary source of information and your resume will only be used to validate this information. Northern Allowances In addition to your base salary, you will receive an Isolated Post Allowance (rates vary depending on your circumstances and work location): Whitehorse: approximately $9,436 - $13,104 per year. Yellowknife: approximately $18,527 to $26,363 per year. Vacation Travel Assistance provided upon request once per year for each eligible member of the household. Please see the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive for more information. Please note that rates and conditions above are subject to change. We also offer: Relocation Assistance: Applicants may be eligible for relocation assistance and may wish to review the Relocation Directive: NJC Relocation Directive. Pension & Benefits package: For more information, see: Public Service Group Insurance Benefit Plans. Training, Development & Education Opportunities: Multi-year career development plans which include opportunities for education assistance funding and training opportunities. Conditions of employment Reliability Status security clearance - depending on the position or as required. Secret security clearance - depending on the position or as required. Medical Clearance**The incumbent and their dependents may be required to obtain Health Canada medical clearance in accordance with the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive. Operational Requirements Willingness and ability to work overtime on short notice. Willingness and ability to travel on occasion. You need (essential for the job) Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following Education ED : A secondary school (high school) diploma from a recognized institution or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience. The employer-approved alternatives to a secondary school diploma are: a satisfactory score on the Public Service Commission test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience. Experience EX1: Experience providing administrative support services in an office environment, including but not limited to tasks such as managing calendars, organizing files (physical and electronic), reviewing and triaging communications, coordinating travel arrangements, and reviewing documents for accuracy. Applied / assessed at a later date Competencies CO1: Demonstrating Integrity and Respect. CO2: Thinking Things Through. CO3: Working effectively with others. CO4: Showing initiative and being action‑oriented. Abilities A1: Ability to communicate effectively in writing. A2: Ability to communicate effectively orally. Language requirements (essential for the job) May be applied / assessed at a later date Education AED: A diploma or certificate from a law‑related program (e.g. legal assistant, law clerk, paralegal assistant program or an equivalent program) from a recognized institution. Experience AEX1: Experience in providing legal support services to legal professionals. AEX2: Experience working in the Territorial North of Canada. AEX3: Experience working with legal terminology and standardized court documents in civil litigation. Abilities AA1: Ability to prepare and format routine legal documents. Organizational Needs The Department of Justice is committed to a representative workforce that represents the Canadian population it serves. If you are a woman, an Indigenous person, a person with a disability, a member of a racialized group* or a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+**/ Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) communities, we encourage you to self‑declare in this staffing process. Self‑declaration information can be factored into the screening, assessment, or selection decision. This information will only be used in connection with this selection process. * Please note that this group is currently designated as members of visible minorities in the Employment Equity Act.** 2SLGBTQIA+: Two‑Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and people who identify as being part of sexual and gender diverse communities. Our commitment We’re committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self‑declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply. Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first. We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr