Criminal Law Paralegal
Stan MacDonald & Associates | Halifax, Nova Scotia
Stan MacDonald & Associates is a Halifax law firm with a well-established practice in criminal defence, regulatory proceedings and appellate advocacy. Our lawyers represent individuals and corporations at all stages of criminal proceedings and before courts throughout Nova Scotia and elsewhere in Canada.
We are seeking a Criminal Law Paralegal to join our team.
This is an important position within a busy criminal-defence practice. The successful candidate will work closely with our lawyers, helping manage active files, court matters, client communications, disclosure and the many details that keep cases moving effectively.
Criminal law can be demanding and unpredictable. It can also be interesting, meaningful and professionally rewarding. We are looking for someone who takes pride in being organized, dependable and several steps ahead.
The Role
The Criminal Law Paralegal will provide substantive legal and administrative support to the firm’s lawyers while helping ensure that client matters are managed accurately, professionally and efficiently.
On any given day, that may involve coordinating an upcoming court appearance, organizing a substantial disclosure package, communicating with a client or Crown office, preparing documentation, tracking an important deadline or helping a lawyer prepare for a hearing or trial.
The person in this position will become familiar with our files, our clients and the rhythm of a criminal-defence practice. We are looking for someone who wants to become a trusted and important member of the team, rather than simply perform a series of administrative tasks.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include:
- Opening, maintaining, organizing and closing criminal and other legal files.
- Preparing, formatting, filing and organizing court and legal documents.
- Managing correspondence, evidence, disclosure and other case materials in both electronic and physical formats.
- Receiving, reviewing, downloading, organizing and maintaining disclosure provided by Crown prosecutors and other agencies.
- Maintaining clear and accurate file records and ensuring relevant information is readily accessible to counsel.
- Monitoring court appearances, filing dates, limitation periods, deadlines, appointments and other important dates.
- Managing lawyer calendars and assisting with scheduling court appearances, client meetings and other commitments.
- Communicating professionally with clients, Crown prosecutors’ offices, court personnel, police agencies, correctional institutions and other parties as required.
- Assisting with court filings and routine court administrative procedures.
- Preparing correspondence and routine legal documentation under the supervision of counsel.
- Supporting lawyers in preparation for trials, bail hearings, sentencing proceedings, appeals and other court matters.
- Coordinating documents and materials required for upcoming hearings and appearances.
- Responding appropriately to client inquiries and ensuring important or time-sensitive matters are brought to counsel’s attention.
- Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding client information, evidence and firm matters.
- Helping maintain an organized and efficient case-management and office workflow.
- Identifying outstanding tasks and proactively following up where appropriate.
The exact responsibilities may evolve depending upon the successful candidate’s experience and capabilities.
Qualifications and Experience
We would like to hear from candidates who have:
- A diploma, certificate or other post-secondary education in paralegal studies, legal assisting, office administration or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant legal-office experience.
- Previous experience working in a law firm, legal department, court environment or similar professional setting.
- Previous criminal-law experience is strongly preferred, although we will consider an experienced legal professional with strong transferable skills and a genuine interest in developing expertise in criminal law.
- Strong organizational and file-management abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- The ability to manage multiple active matters, competing priorities and time-sensitive deadlines.
- Strong computer skills and comfort working with electronic documents, PDF files, email, calendars, document-management systems and standard Microsoft Office applications.
- The ability to learn and work effectively with legal practice-management and court filing systems.
- Sound judgment, professionalism and discretion.
- A clear understanding of the importance of solicitor-client confidentiality and the sensitive nature of criminal-law files.
The Person We’re Looking For
Technical skills matter, but so does temperament. Criminal-defence clients are often dealing with serious, stressful and unfamiliar circumstances. Court schedules change. Urgent issues arise. Some files are complex and document-heavy. Details matter.
The successful candidate will therefore be someone who is:
- Highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Calm and effective when priorities change.
- Dependable, accountable and consistent.
- Professional and respectful when dealing with people experiencing difficult or stressful circumstances.
- Comfortable communicating with a wide range of people and organizations.
- Able to distinguish between something that can wait and something requiring immediate attention.
- Resourceful and willing to find answers rather than simply identify problems.
- Capable of working independently and taking ownership of responsibilities.
- Equally comfortable collaborating as part of a small legal team.
- Able to anticipate what lawyers and files are likely to require next.
- Interested in learning and developing greater expertise in criminal practice and procedure.
A good sense of perspective helps too. Criminal law is serious work, but a productive and collegial office depends on people who work well together.
Working at Stan MacDonald & Associates
This is a hands-on legal environment where the work matters and where the person filling this role can have a meaningful impact on the operation of the practice.
Because we are a focused litigation firm, the successful candidate will have exposure to active criminal files and proceedings rather than being removed from the work by multiple layers of administration. You will work directly with lawyers, learn the practical workings of criminal litigation and become familiar with cases as they progress through the justice system.
There will be busy periods and occasionally unexpected demands. In return, the position offers variety, responsibility and the opportunity to become a knowledgeable and trusted member of an experienced criminal-defence team.
Position Details
Location: 1489 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Employment status: Full-time permanent
Work arrangement: In-office
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining their relevant legal experience and interest in the position.
Please send applications to:
Administrator
Stan MacDonald & Associates
amacdonald@smassociates.ca
Application deadline: October 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 a professional and respectful workplace.
Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 10/30/2026