Litigation Paralegals support the legal team in delivering justice and legal services across the Department of National Defence. You will work alongside lawyers to prepare cases, manage litigation files, and ensure legal proceedings move forward efficiently. This role is essential to supporting DND's legal operations, whether handling matters related to employment law, contract disputes, or other litigation affecting the department.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal research, preparing court documents and pleadings, organizing case files, coordinating with courts and external counsel, and communicating with clients within DND. You will manage deadlines, track procedural requirements, and ensure compliance with court rules and legal standards. You may also assist in interviewing witnesses, summarizing evidence, and preparing materials for trial or settlement negotiations.
You'll work in a professional legal environment within DND's legal services branch, collaborating with lawyers, other paralegals, and administrative staff. The work requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple files simultaneously. You may interact with external parties including courts, opposing counsel, and expert witnesses.
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 qualify for this position, you typically need a diploma or certificate in paralegal studies from a recognized institution, or equivalent education and experience in legal support work. Some positions may require completion of provincial paralegal professional development or certification programs, depending on the jurisdiction where you'll be working.
Ongoing professional development is supported within the Public Service, including training in litigation procedures, legal research tools, case management software, and federal court practices specific to DND operations. You may have opportunities to pursue additional certifications in specialized areas of law or to develop expertise in specific practice areas relevant to the department's needs.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the Government of Canada:
**Public Service Competitions**: The primary route is through open or internal competitions posted on the Government of Canada Job Bank. These competitions test your legal knowledge, organizational abilities, and suitability for federal service.
**Student Programs**: DND offers student employment and co-op placements that can lead to indeterminate positions. These programs provide valuable experience working within federal legal services while completing your education.
**Lateral Movement**: If you're already a Government of Canada employee, you may transfer into a Litigation Paralegal position through internal processes, which may require less formal competition depending on your current classification.
**Pools and Staffing**: DND may maintain staffing pools of qualified candidates for paralegal positions, allowing faster hiring when vacancies arise.
Regardless of entry method, you'll go through security clearance screening and a probationary period to ensure you meet federal service standards.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Litigation Paralegal positions, though availability may vary by office location and workload demands. Some litigation deadlines and court schedules may require standard full-time hours during active case periods.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal government. Depending on the specific legal office and case requirements, you may be able to work remotely for certain tasks such as legal research, document preparation, and file management. However, some responsibilities—such as coordinating with courts, attending in-person meetings with counsel, or meeting clients—may require on-site presence.
Flexible hours and job-sharing arrangements may be negotiated based on operational needs and departmental policy. Discuss specific arrangements with your manager and HR representative during the hiring process or after joining DND.
