Paralegals in Justice Legal Policy Services provide essential support to lawyers and legal teams across the Department of National Defence and other federal justice organizations. You will assist with legal research, document preparation, case management, and administrative tasks that keep legal operations running smoothly. This role is critical to ensuring that DND has the legal support needed to fulfill its mandate and serve Canadians.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal research on defence and military law matters, preparing legal documents and correspondence, managing case files and legal records, organizing hearings and meetings, and providing administrative support to legal counsel. You may also assist with policy development, contract review, and litigation support. Working in this role means contributing directly to important legal matters affecting Canada's defence and national security.
Paralegals typically work in office environments at DND headquarters, regional offices, or other federal justice facilities. You will collaborate with lawyers, government officials, and external stakeholders. This is a stable career with opportunities to develop specialized expertise in military law, defence policy, employment law, and other legal areas.
Key Responsibilities
Provide justice legal policy 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 high school diploma plus a paralegal diploma or certificate from a recognized college or institution. Some positions may require post-secondary education in law, public administration, or a related field. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in legal software and standard office applications.
The Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including internal training programs, legal seminars, and workshops on emerging legal issues. Many paralegals pursue additional certifications through professional paralegal associations. DND supports employee learning through its Learning Management System and may fund relevant courses and credentials that enhance your performance in the role.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways in the federal Public Service. Most commonly, positions are filled through public competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca). You can also enter through priority hiring pools if you are a Canadian Armed Forces veteran or a former public servant. The Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign targets recent graduates and may offer internship or entry-level positions.
Lateral moves from other government departments are another pathway if you have relevant experience as a paralegal or in a closely related legal support role. Some individuals start as administrative assistants or legal clerks and advance to paralegal positions through internal competitions and skill development. Networking with DND's legal community and staying informed about job opportunities through departmental channels can help you learn about openings before they are widely advertised.
Part-Time Options
DND and federal justice organizations recognize the value of work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements for many paralegal positions. Part-time work is available depending on operational needs and departmental priorities. Most paralegal roles support part-time or job-sharing arrangements, allowing you to balance your career with personal commitments.
Remote and hybrid work options have expanded across the federal government. Many paralegal duties—such as legal research, document preparation, and file management—can be performed effectively from home. Your specific remote work eligibility will depend on your position's location, the nature of your duties, and your manager's approval. DND is committed to offering flexibility while maintaining the security and operational requirements essential to defence and legal work. Discussion of flexible arrangements typically occurs during the hiring process and can be revisited as your role evolves.
