Legal Assistant

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca

Position Summary
The Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) is seeking a dedicated Legal Assistant to support the General Counsel in a full-time capacity. This position is responsible for providing a range of administrative legal services to ensure the effective day-to-day operations of the Legal Department, including organizing legal records, scheduling, tracking documentation, and supporting internal communications. A key function of this role will be assisting with the implementation and coordination of a document registry system to support Musqueam’s governance and record-keeping.

The Legal Assistant will work closely with the Council Secretary and other departments such as Finance, Archives, Information Technology, Records Management, as needed. The Legal Assistant will work closely with Finance as necessary. The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with others in a culturally respectful and confidential manner.

Roles & Responsibilities

Administrative Legal Support
Provide daily administrative support to General Counsel including calendar and meeting management, scheduling and email management assistance, task management, meeting preparation, and drafting correspondence.
Assist with tracking and organizing legal and governance documents, including Council meeting materials, agreements, and resolutions.
Help implement and maintain a confidential and organized digital and paper filing system.
Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and summaries for internal and external use.
Manage communications between Musqueam’s legal department, other departments, external counsel, and third-party contacts as necessary.
Registry Coordination
Work with Council Secretary to assist in coordinating the implementation and maintenance of a document registry to track Council meeting minutes, motions, key agreements, laws, bylaws, policies, and procedures.
Input and update registry entries, ensuring accurate classification and archiving.
Work collaboratively with Council Secretary, IT, and Records staff to support registry-related tasks and process improvements.
Help with scheduling and facilitating training or information-sharing sessions for staff on the registry system as needed.
Contract and Records Monitoring
Track important dates and deliverables for contracts, leases, and other legal agreements.
Maintain records of legal compliance requirements and reporting deadlines as directed.
Provide reminders and follow-ups for time-sensitive materials for both internal and external operations.
Review invoices from external legal counsel.
General Office Support
Order and organize office supplies and materials related to legal services.
Assist in general account coding and reporting.
Assist with booking meetings, preparing agendas, and recording action items.
Perform other administrative duties as required by General Counsel.
Other duties as assigned.
Skills & Qualifications

Successful completion of high school diploma is required, and one to two year college diploma in a legal assistant or paralegal program is preferred.
Minimum 3-5 years of work experience as a legal assistant in a similar organization/administration.
Knowledge of Musqueam’s unique history, indigenous governance, and First Nations legal framework considered an asset.
Experience with legal document management and registry systems.
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Strong computer knowledge in implementation of programs, excel, word, and other legal research tools.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
Cultural respect, sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact.
Self-motivation and ability to work independently.
Working Conditions
This position is an in-office role typically Monday to Friday 830am-430pm, with a requirement to sit in Council meetings currently operating every other Monday, 5-9pm.
Additional after hours may be required to attend at committee and community engagement.
Why work for Musqueam?
Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.
Training and career development
Business casual environment
Community fitness and gym access
Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.