Legal Assistant
Stan MacDonald & Associates | Halifax, Nova Scotia
Stan MacDonald & Associates is a Halifax law firm with a well-established practice in criminal defence, litigation, regulatory matters and appellate advocacy.
We are looking for an experienced, organized and dependable Legal Assistant to join our team.
This is a hands-on role in a busy legal practice where organization, judgment, discretion and follow-through matter. The successful candidate will work closely with lawyers and clients, helping ensure that files, appointments, court dates, documents and communications are handled accurately and efficiently.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to become an important and trusted member of a small legal team, not simply someone who performs administrative tasks in the background.
The Role
The Legal Assistant will provide day-to-day administrative and legal support to the firm’s lawyers and help keep the practice organized and running smoothly.
Criminal law files can move quickly. Court dates change, clients may require urgent assistance, new documents and disclosure arrive regularly, and lawyers need accurate information at their fingertips.
The successful candidate will be someone who can stay organized in that environment, manage competing priorities and recognize what needs attention next.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include:
- Opening, maintaining, organizing and closing client files.
- Preparing, formatting and organizing correspondence, court documents and other legal materials.
- Maintaining electronic and physical client files in an accurate and orderly manner.
- Managing incoming and outgoing correspondence, email and documentation.
- Scheduling client appointments, court appearances, meetings and other commitments.
- Maintaining lawyer calendars and tracking important court dates and deadlines.
- Communicating professionally with clients, courts, Crown prosecutors’ offices, police agencies, correctional institutions and other parties as required.
- Receiving and organizing disclosure, correspondence and other case-related materials.
- Assisting lawyers with preparation for court appearances, hearings, trials and client meetings.
- Preparing routine correspondence and documents under lawyer supervision.
- Assisting with court filing and other administrative procedures.
- Ensuring lawyers have the documents and information required for upcoming appointments and court matters.
- Monitoring files for outstanding items and following up where appropriate.
- Receiving telephone calls and client inquiries and ensuring urgent matters are directed appropriately.
- Maintaining accurate client contact information and records.
- Handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Assisting with general office administration and workflow as required.
Depending upon the successful candidate’s experience, the role may include additional responsibilities and greater involvement in file and case management.
Qualifications and Experience
We are interested in candidates with:
- Post-secondary training as a Legal Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant, Paralegal or in a related field; or equivalent relevant law-office experience.
- Previous experience working in a law firm or other professional legal environment.
- Previous criminal-law experience is an asset and will be given strong consideration.
- Strong administrative and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- The ability to manage multiple files, deadlines, appointments and competing priorities.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, calendars, PDF documents and electronic file-management systems.
- The ability to learn new legal and office software quickly.
- Professional telephone and client-service skills.
- Good judgment and the ability to recognize when an issue requires immediate attention.
- A strong understanding of confidentiality and professional discretion.
The Person We’re Looking For
A successful Legal Assistant at Stan MacDonald & Associates will be someone who is:
- Highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Reliable and accountable.
- Calm and professional under pressure.
- Comfortable working in an environment where priorities can sometimes change quickly.
- Respectful and compassionate when dealing with clients who may be experiencing difficult or stressful circumstances.
- Confident communicating with lawyers, clients, court staff and other professionals.
- Comfortable taking responsibility for assigned tasks and seeing them through to completion.
- Able to work independently without losing sight of the needs of the larger team.
- Resourceful and practical.
- Willing to ask questions when needed, but also capable of finding answers and solving routine problems independently.
- Good at anticipating what needs to happen next.
- Interested in learning more about criminal law and legal practice.
Working at Stan MacDonald & Associates
Working in a criminal-defence practice is rarely repetitive. Files involve real people dealing with important and often stressful circumstances. Court schedules and deadlines matter. Communication matters. Details matter.
The Legal Assistant plays a central role in keeping that work organized.
The successful candidate will work directly with experienced lawyers and gain exposure to the practical day-to-day operation of a criminal litigation practice. You will become familiar with active cases, court processes, client needs and the systems that allow lawyers to focus on advocacy.
There will be busy days and occasional unexpected demands. There will also be variety, responsibility and the satisfaction of knowing that your work directly supports both the lawyers and the clients they represent.
We are looking for someone who wants to become a dependable and valued part of the firm for the long term.
Position Details
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Employment status: Full-time permanent
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and brief cover letter describing their relevant experience and interest in the position.
Please send applications to:
Administrator
Stan MacDonald & Associates
amacdonald@smassociates.ca
Application deadline: September 30, 2026
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Stan MacDonald & Associates welcomes applications from qualified candidates and is committed to maintaining a professional and respectful workplace.
Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 10/30/2026