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What Government Jobs Are Available For Paralegals
Are you considering a career as a paralegal? Becoming a paralegal is a popular and lucrative career choice. If you have a keen interest in the law, excellent research skills, and strong computer skills, you already have a head start on earning your paralegal qualifications.
You will need to complete a Paralegal program before becoming qualified. Paralegal students will also get valuable practical experience with some Paralegal courses, so make sure you choose a paralegal program which includes at least 120 hours internship, or field placement. If you live in Ontario, you must also ensure the course you choose is fully accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC).
Government career opportunities for paralegals
There are many career opportunities for qualified paralegals, including careers at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government here in Canada.
The Department of Justice has about 4,800 employees, which of course includes paralegals. Paralegals working for the Department of Justice – Canada’s largest legal organization – have the opportunity to experience diverse areas of the law.
Government paralegals are involved in:
• Organizing client, government and other institutional information
• Dealing with clients
• Creating court files
• Researching and compiling of documents
• Researching and drafting procedures
Department of Justice: Areas of practice
The Canadian government’s areas of practice cover all areas of the legal profession. If you have a particular interest in a legal field, you could specialize in the areas of practice which seem most appealing.
Following is a brief overview of some of the Department of Justice areas of legal practice:
Aboriginal Law
Aboriginal law is a fast-developing area with a wide scope. The Department of Justice is involved in Aboriginal rights, land claims, the legal issues surrounding Residential Schools, and aboriginal self-government. Paralegals will provide assistance in helping counsel provide litigation, policy, and advisory services. Aboriginal justice is also addressed under Criminal and Social Policy.
Criminal and Social Policy
Paralegals involved in criminal and family law help ensure the Canadian justice system is more equitable and that our law properly serves the changing needs of our diverse population. Paralegals will be assisting the legal team with issues including family violence, youth justice, firearms control and more.
Environmental Law
Environmental law is one of the fastest growing departments. Paralegals will be working with clients including Environment Canada, Parks Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans.
Immigration Law
There are many complicated legal issues concerning immigration law. Paralegals in this field may be called on to prepare documents for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Labour Law
The Department of Justice legal teams focus on equity and harassment issues. Their remit covers employment in the federal sector, which includes the enforcement of federal labour law.
The paralegal profession is considered as one of the fastest growing professions today. Even though it is a highly competitive field, with the right kind of paralegal training and experience, its career opportunities are almost endless with jobs available in government offices, law departments and many more in addition to law firms and law offices.
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