Paralegal

Position Overview

Reporting to the Legal Counsel, the Paralegal provides effective legal and administrative support to the Indigenous Engagement, Laws and Relations ("IELR") team while handling multiple and simultaneous imposed deadlines. Effective communication and the ability to handle a high volume of work is essential to this position.

The Paralegal prepares materials such as draft responses/informal review and reports on Financial Administration Laws ("FALs") and Financial Administration By-Laws ("FABs"). Significant attention to detail, initiative and accuracy is essential for success.

Accountabilities

FAL and FAB Reviews

• Complete preliminary informal reviews of FALs and FABs;
• Maintain record management HPRM and CRM systems for FAL and FAB documents;
• Prepare FAL and FAB materials for the Committees and Board meetings;
• Conduct reviews of FABs submitted or coordinate with External legal Counsel to determine compliance with FMB Standards and provide opinion to the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada for submission to the SAC Committee and Board;
• Prepare and coordinate FAB packages for Ministerial approval;
• Coordinate, draft and review FAL amendments and FAL updates upon request;
• Receive formal requests in preparation for Board meetings; coordinate same with RMs and First Nations;
• Organize and act as support for select FAL & FAB 10 year grant workshops to clients and various stakeholders;
• Organize secondary review of FALs;
• Respond to inquiries regarding FAL/FAB Standards and the Sample FAL/FAB related to compliance approval;
• Provide support in the creation, secure maintenance, and retention of documents;
• Develop a deep understanding of FAL standards;
• May be requested to design, implement, and deliver FAL/FAB workshops to clients and various stakeholders.

FMS Testing

• Remain up to date with FMS testing dates;
• Draft BCRs and FAL updates re updating FALs for FMS testing purposes; send and track receipt of same;
• Coordinate with CD managers & Directors re sending FAL update packages.

10-Year Grants

• Review, send and track existing documents and provide updated document packages to be sent out to First Nations expressing interest in 10-year grants;
• Ensure appropriate documents are returned; coordinating with Relationship Managers and Standards and Certification team;
• Draft compliance opinions for each nation approved.

Documentation

• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of FMB Core Documents;
• Act as go-between for sample FAL and FABs being updated to new standards; coordinate revision of samples; log and save to appropriate systems;
• Log templates and create indices and legends;
• Draft and maintain legal procedures manual;
• Draft, with direction, form of compliance opinion for 10-year grant;
• Update sample FALs and FABs when required; save to HPE and communicate to team.

Communication

• Ensure clear understanding of FAL and FAB Standards and the unique point of differences;
• Write internal and external messaging regarding the FAL and FAB Standards that is persuasive, informative, concise, and easy to understand for the target audience;
• Support in the production of materials such as presentation kits, direct mail, templates, letters, and other communications as required;
• Proofread and edit a variety of materials.

Other Duties

• Update client management system on various processes;
• Provide administrative support to Legal Counsel as required, including:
  • coordinating calendars, meetings, teleconferences, and other appointments as requested;
  • keep them informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately;
  • assisting with file and record management;
• Provide support in the coordination of a variety of events including conferences, seminars & other outreach events;
• Customize FALs and FABs as per the Legal Counsel, Relationship Managers and Director;
• Provide hard copy document packages when necessary.
• May be required to perform other general legal work for Legal Counsel or General Counsel.

The Paralegal performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree diploma or certificate in paralegal or related discipline;
• Minimum of five (5) years in a paralegal position or equivalent;
• Experience working in an Indigenous environment and working with a Board of Directors would be an asset;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Products;
• Proficiency in legal document drafting;
• Demonstrated effective writing skills and editing skills;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including outstanding oral and written communication capabilities;
• Adaptable and flexible to various competing demands with proficiency at managing high work volumes in a fast-paced environment;
• Exceptional organizational skills with a sense of urgency and ability to prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly in a rapidly changing environment with excellent attention to detail;
• Must have an understanding, awareness and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history;
• Willingness to participate in ongoing education and training for the role including Indigenous Cultural studies;
• Must be fluent in English (spoken and written) and French (spoken and written);
• Fluency in an Indigenous language is considered an asset.

Equivalent or relevant education and/or experience may be considered.

Work Conditions

• This position is based in Montreal, QC. Hybrid or Remote work arrangements may be considered;
• May require occasional national travel.

What We Offer

• Salary and annual bonus eligibility;
• Flexible 37.5-hour work week;
• Employer paid extended benefits;
• Health Spending Account;
• Matching group RRSP contributions;
• Annual vacation allowance and generous paid stat & non-stat days;
• Work-life balance;
• Hybrid work arrangements;
• Professional development & career growth opportunities.