Bear Witness Day – May 10, 2018

Below you will find the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada’s information card regarding Bear Witness Day. Further details can be found at:  https://fncaringsociety.com/BearWitness

NSLA is committed to serving Mi’kmaq families and communities and helping to address over-representation of Indigenous children in child protection matters. To show our support for Jordan’s Principle Implementation, NSLA staff will bring bears to work on May 10th.

Human Resources Specialist Position – Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

Position:  Seeking an experienced Human Resources Specialist for a position located in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia.

The Human Resources Specialist (HRS) will have responsibility for the day-to-day human resources management of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (The Commission). The HRS will maintain knowledge of the human resource priorities of the Commission, and will work closely with the Internal Operations Director (IOD) to achieve the deliverables. The HRS must also have a broad range of knowledge relating to the activities and policies of the Commission.

Ideal Abilities and Skills

  • University Degree, or College Certificate, in Human Resources Management, and five years of relevant experience.
  • Overall, the incumbent must possess excellent writing and communication skills, including attention to detail and accuracy, strong organizational skills, and a capacity to work under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing priorities.
  • The incumbent must be able to perform demanding duties which require the ability to work independently or as part of a team, initiative and judgment in areas where established routines and guidelines do not always exist, in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
  • Ability to work in a high stress environment is an asset.
  • Proficiency with personal computers including knowledge and facility with programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel;
  • Proficiency in preparing written reports and documents.
  • Hold a valid driver’s license, as some travel within Nova Scotia will be required.

Salary Level:  Under review

Deadline for Applications:  Friday, May 4, 2018 at 4:00 pm

Reply To:
Submit your resume with cover letter to:

Amy Dickson
Operations Administrative Assistant
920-1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS    B3J 3M8
Amy.Dickson@nslegalaid.ca

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  We have an Employment Equity Policy and welcome applications from historically disadvantaged groups, including: Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or resume.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Legal Assistant Positions – Land Title Initiative

FULL-TIME LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITION (1)
AND
PART-TIME LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITION (1)
NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

In 1963, a legislative process was created to clear up land title, and ownership, issues for residents who live in thirteen specific communities within Nova Scotia. The process allows residents in these Land Title Clarification areas to give information to the government about how they (or those from whom they have inherited or bought the land) have used and occupied the land for at least 20 years.

Position:  Two experienced Legal Assistants, for one-year contract positions, are being sought as part of the Land Title Initiative. They will be dedicated to the land title clarification areas of North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook, Lincolnville and Sunnyville. These positions will be located in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).The successful candidates will provide administrative support to the legal teams working with the residents in the land clarification areas to obtain clear title. An understanding of the African Nova Scotian community and the unique context of each individual community, its historical significance, and the current challenges would be an asset. Start date is to be as soon as possible.

Ideal Abilities and Skills:

  • Minimum Grade 12 High School Diploma.
  • Paralegal or 5 years’ equivalent training or related relevant experience in the areas of property and estate law.
  • Experience working with the public and knowledge of real estate, estate & probate and community programs.
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative and to use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
  • The candidate should be proficient in transcription of dictation with excellent typing and communication skills, including attention to detail, accuracy and capacity to work under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing priorities.
  • Ability to work in a high stress environment is an asset.
  • Proficiency with personal computers including knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.

Salary Level:  Clerical Classification and Pay Plan (CL), plus benefits.

Deadline for Applications:  Wednesday May 2, 2018 at 4:00 pm

Reply To:
Submit resume with cover letter to:

Amy Dickson
Operations Administrative Assistant
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission
920-1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3M8
902-420-3471 Fax
Amy.Dickson@nslegalaid.ca

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We have an Employment Equity Policy and welcome applications from historically disadvantaged groups, including: Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or resume.

These are term opportunities with a scheduled end date of December 2019.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Legal Assistant Position – Sydney

LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITION
SYDNEY OFFICE
NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

Position:  Seeking an experienced Legal Assistant for a one-year contract position located in our Sydney Office.

Ideal Abilities and Skills:

  • Graduate of a recognized post-secondary paralegal/clerical certificate program or 5 years equivalent work experience.
  • Experience in a law office and have a good working knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures.
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative and to use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
  • The candidate should be proficient in transcription of dictation with excellent typing and communication skills, including attention to detail, accuracy and capacity to work under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing priorities.
  • Ability to work in a high stress environment is an asset.
  • Proficiency with personal computers including knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.

Salary Level:  NSLAC Clerical Pay Scale (CL), plus benefits

Deadline for Applications:   Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 4:00 PM.

Reply to:
Submit resume with cover letter to:

Amy Dickson
Operations Administrative Assistant
1701 Hollis Street, Suite 920
Halifax, NS B3J 3M8
Amy.Dickson@nslegalaid.ca

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We have an Employment Equity Policy and welcome applications from historically disadvantaged groups, including: Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or resume.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Staff Lawyer Position – Sydney

STAFF LAWYER POSITION
NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID

Position: Contract Staff Lawyer position in Sydney, Nova Scotia practicing family law.

Qualifications: Successful candidate must be a practicing, insured member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society with a thorough understanding of Family Law. Candidate should have experience in representing clients before the courts. Competency to conduct legal proceedings in both the English and French languages would be an asset. Start date to be as soon as possible.

Salary Range: Per Legal Aid salary scale based on “Relevant Experience” as determined by the Commission at time of hire plus benefits.

Closing Date: Friday, March 16, 2018 at 4:00 pm

Reply To:

Amy Dickson
Operations Administrative Assistant
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission
920-1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3M8
902-420-3471 Fax
Amy.Dickson@nslegalaid.ca

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We have an Employment Equity Policy and welcome applications from historically disadvantaged groups, including: Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or resume.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Nova Scotia Legal Aid to Provide Service for Land Title Initiative

Nova Scotia Legal Aid is pleased to receive funding from the Province of Nova Scotia which will allow us to provide service assisting Nova Scotians to obtain title to their land in the five Communities of East Preston, North Preston, Cherry Brook, Lincolnville, and Sunnyville. These five communities, among others, have suffered from historical discrimination that has prevented people from receiving legal title to the land they own. The Province is working with stakeholders, including NSLA, to remove barriers to the clarification of land ownership and address the unequal treatment that African Nova Scotians have faced.

Service will be provided through the creation of two positions for lawyers from African Nova Scotian communities who will provide dedicated service on these files. These lawyers will operate independent of government and provide confidential solicitor services. We are currently advertising to fill these and support staff positions. Position postings can be found on our website.

We will be accepting applications in our offices or online (www.nslegalaid.ca), although we will not be able to assign a lawyer or start work until the positions are filled. Once we are up and running, a notice will be posted on our website and Twitter feed.

Service provided will include:

  • obtaining a Certificate of Title under the Land Titles Clarification Act (LTCA) (which requires migration after issuance of the certificate);
  • migration under the Land Registration Act;
  • court ordered declarations and negotiation between private parties; and
    applications under the Probate Act/Intestate Succession Act.

Applicants for service under this initiative will not need to meet financial eligibility guidelines. Files will be assessed for merit and we can currently only provide service in the above five communities. Please contact ltca@nslegalaid.ca with any inquiries.

More information on the Provincial initiative is available here: https://novascotia.ca/natr/titles-clarification/

Staff Lawyer Positions – Land Titles Clarification Project

STAFF LAWYER POSITIONS (2)

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

 In 1963, a legislative process was created to clear up land title, and ownership, issues for residents who live in thirteen specific communities within Nova Scotia. The process allows residents in these Land Title Clarification areas to give information to the government about how they (or those from whom they have inherited or bought the land) have used and occupied the land for at least 20 years.

Position:  Reporting to the Internal Operations Director for the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, two (2) Contract Staff Lawyer positions are being created as part of the Land Titles Clarification Project. These positions will be dedicated to the land title clarification areas of North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook, Lincolnville and Sunnyville. The lawyers filling these positions will be located in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and will be required to travel to other parts of Nova Scotia, including Antigonish and Guysborough Counties. The successful candidates will be working with African Nova Scotia residents in the land titles clarification areas to assist them in obtaining clear title. The lawyers filling these positions are required to have an understanding of the African Nova Scotian community, and the unique context of each individual community, its historical significance, and the current challenges. Start date is to be as soon as possible.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a practicing, insured member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
  • Candidates should have 2-5 years’ experience.
  • Candidates must have experience in Real Estate, Estate & Probate law, along with experience in representing clients before the courts.
  • Candidates must be qualified as Land Registration Act (LRA) lawyers, or have the ability to meet this condition within sixty (60) days of commencement of employment.

 Specialty Statement(s):

  • Significant travel within Nova Scotia will be required. A valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle are required.

Salary Range:  Per Legal Aid salary scale based on “Relevant Experience” as determined by the Commission at time of hire plus benefits.

Closing Date:  Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 4:00 PM

Reply To:

Amy Dickson
Operations Administrative Assistant
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission
920-1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS   B3J 3M8
902-420-3471 Fax
Amy.Dickson@nslegalaid.ca

The primary area of responsibility for those filling these positions will be delivering all of the legal services required to assist residents engaged in the Land Titles Clarification Project, who live in the five specific Nova Scotia communities noted above. Due to the nature of the project, these are designated positions that are restricted to persons belonging to the African Nova Scotian Community.

These are term opportunities with a scheduled end date of December 2019. While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Legal Assistant – Dartmouth Criminal Office

LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITION

DARTMOUTH CRIMINAL

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

 

Position:  Seeking an experienced Legal Assistant for a one-year contract position located in our Dartmouth Criminal Office.

Ideal Abilities and Skills

  • Graduate of a recognized post-secondary paralegal/clerical certificate program or 5 years equivalent work experience.
  • Experience in a law office and have a good working knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures.
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative and to use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
  • The candidate should be proficient in transcription of dictation with excellent typing and communication skills, including attention to detail, accuracy and capacity to work under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing priorities.
  • Ability to work in a high stress environment is an asset.
  • Proficiency with personal computers including knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.

Salary Level:  NSLAC Clerical Pay Scale (CL), plus benefits

Deadline for Applications:  Friday, February 16, 2018 at 4:00 PM.

Reply To:

Submit resume with cover letter to:

Amy Dickson
Operations Administrative Assistant
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission
920-1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS   B3J 3M8
Amy.Dickson@nslegalaid.ca

 

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  We have an Employment Equity Policy and welcome applications from historically disadvantaged groups, including: Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or resume.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Part-Time Legal Assistant Positions – Land Titles Clarification Project

PART-TIME LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITIONS (2)

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

 In 1963, a legislative process was created to clear up land title, and ownership, issues for residents who live in thirteen specific communities within Nova Scotia. The process allows residents in these Land Title Clarification areas to give information to the government about how they (or those from whom they have inherited or bought the land) have used and occupied the land for at least 20 years.

Position:  Two experienced Legal Assistants, for one-year contract positions, are being sought as part of the Land Titles Clarification Project. They will be dedicated to the land title clarification areas of North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook, Lincolnville and Sunnyville. These positions will be located in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).The successful candidates will provide administrative support to the legal teams working with the residents in the land clarification areas to obtain clear title. An understanding of the African Nova Scotian community and the unique context of each individual community, its historical significance, and the current challenges would be an asset.  Start date is to be as soon as possible.

Ideal Abilities and Skills:

  • Minimum Grade 12 High School Diploma.
  • Paralegal or 5 years’ equivalent training or related relevant experience in the areas of property and estate law.
  • Experience working with the public and knowledge of real estate, estate & probate and community programs.
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative and to use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
  • The candidate should be proficient in transcription of dictation with excellent typing and communication skills, including attention to detail, accuracy and capacity to work under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing priorities.
  • Ability to work in a high stress environment is an asset.
  • Proficiency with personal computers including knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.

Salary Level:  Clerical Classification and Pay Plan (CL), plus benefits.

Deadline for Applications:  Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 4:00 PM.

Reply To:

Submit resume with cover letter to:

Amy Dickson
Operations Administrative Assistant
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission
920-1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS   B3J 3M8
902-420-3471 Fax
Amy.Dickson@nslegalaid.ca

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  We have an Employment Equity Policy and welcome applications from historically disadvantaged groups, including: Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or resume.

These are term opportunities with a scheduled end date of December 2019.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Nova Scotia Legal Aid Honouring African Heritage Month

Nova Scotia Legal Aid Honouring African Heritage Month

In honour of African Heritage Month, we would like to take this opportunity to express Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s (NSLA) continued commitment to enhancing access to justice for economically vulnerable and historically disadvantaged communities throughout the Province.

The UN Report of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent on its mission to Canada was released on August 16, 2017. According to their findings,

  • East Preston and North Preston, communities on the outskirts of Halifax, Nova Scotia (on land that the British Crown granted to Black Loyalists following the American Revolution), has the highest percentage of Blacks in Canada.
  • African Canadians are overrepresented in the child welfare and criminal justice system, the cause of which is said to be rooted in racial bias.
  • There is a lack of implementation of the Land Clarification Titles Act (LCTA), which would assist people of African descent in obtaining titles to the lands on which they live.

As an organization, we acknowledge these findings and are dedicated to providing culturally responsive service to our clients which has been identified as a priority in the NSLA Strategic Plan – 2017-2020. We will continue to educate our staff and encourage our lawyers to bring cultural impact to the forefront on matters before the Court. For instance, there has been an increase in the use of cultural assessments by our lawyers to ensure that vital information about African Nova Scotian history and culture is before the Court.

In September 2017, the Provincial Government announced a new initiative to support the clarification of land ownership with a focus on the five African Nova Scotian communities of East Preston, North Preston, Cherry Brook, Lincolnville and Sunnyville. These communities, among others across the Province, have suffered from historical discrimination that has prevented community members from receiving legal title to the land they own. NSLA, with the support of the Province of Nova Scotia, will provide legal services to African Nova Scotians seeking to obtain title to their land.

The NSLA Equity & Racial Diversity Committee will continue to work with the executive of Nova Scotia Legal Aid to ensure that as an organization, we better reflect the diverse communities which we serve.

Brandon Rolle & Alisha Brown-Fagan
Co-Chairs of NSLA Equity & Racial Diversity Committee

© L’Aide juridique de la Nouvelle-Écosse, tous droits réservés – 2017