As a Litigation Legal Assistant, you provide essential administrative and operational support to lawyers and legal teams within the Department of National Defence. You work directly with legal professionals who handle litigation matters, regulatory cases, and dispute resolution on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces and DND. Your role is crucial to ensuring cases move forward efficiently and that all legal proceedings are properly documented and coordinated.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include managing case files, preparing legal documents, scheduling court appearances, coordinating with external counsel and court services, and maintaining detailed records of litigation proceedings. You support lawyers by conducting legal research, organizing evidence, drafting correspondence, and ensuring all deadlines are met. You may also assist with discovery processes, manage budgets for legal services, and liaise with other government departments and courts.
You work in a structured legal environment where attention to detail, confidentiality, and accuracy are essential. You'll collaborate with lawyers, other administrative staff, and external legal partners. The work can be demanding during active litigation phases, and you may need to manage multiple files simultaneously while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and discretion.
Key Responsibilities
Provide litigation services support to departmental clients, Research and analyze legal issues and precedents, Draft legal opinions, contracts, and regulatory instruments, Advise on legal risks and compliance requirements
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To succeed as a Litigation Legal Assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer some post-secondary education, such as a certificate or diploma in legal administration, paralegal studies, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in place of formal education.
Key competencies include proficiency with legal software and case management systems, strong written and verbal communication skills, knowledge of court procedures and legal terminology, and excellent organizational abilities. You should be comfortable with Microsoft Office applications and willing to learn specialized legal technology platforms used within DND.
The Government of Canada provides on-the-job training to help you develop litigation-specific knowledge and understand DND's legal operations. Professional development opportunities are available through the Public Service Learning Network, including courses in legal administration, records management, and software applications. Some employees pursue professional certifications through organizations like the Canadian Association of Legal Assistants to advance their careers. Continuous learning is supported to keep pace with evolving legal practices and government procedures.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through open competitions posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank, where positions are advertised to the public. These competitions follow merit-based selection processes and may require a written exam and interview.
You may also enter through the Public Service Resourcing Administration (PSRA) process or through an existing pool of candidates. Some positions are filled through lateral moves if you already work within the federal Public Service in a related administrative or legal support role. Students and recent graduates can explore opportunities through federal student employment programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can lead to permanent positions.
If you have relevant paralegal or legal administrative experience, you may be considered through priority hiring initiatives or through direct application to DND during recruitment periods. The hiring process typically includes a review of your qualifications, possibly a written assessment, and an interview with the legal team. Having a background in legal services or administrative support strengthens your candidacy.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Litigation Legal Assistants in many DND legal offices, depending on operational needs and staffing requirements. Some positions offer compressed work weeks, flexible start and end times, or job-sharing arrangements that allow you to balance work and personal commitments.
Remote work options have expanded within the federal Public Service, and many administrative legal tasks can be performed from home. However, some in-office time may be required for accessing secure legal files, attending court proceedings, or coordinating directly with legal teams. The extent of remote work eligibility depends on the specific DND legal office, the nature of cases being handled, and security clearance requirements.
When you apply for or accept a Litigation Legal Assistant position, discuss flexible work arrangements with your manager and the hiring office. Arrangements are based on operational requirements and are subject to departmental policies. The federal Public Service is committed to supporting work-life balance, and many employees in this role successfully combine part-time or flexible schedules with their legal support responsibilities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
