Co-op: Legal Administrative Assistant

Work Term: Winter 2027 (January - April)

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is seeking to hire students who are looking for a Co-op or internship placement opportunity from January 2027 to April 2027. 

Eligibility: We will only be considering applicants enrolled in an accredited Co-op or Internship program in line with their program requirements from their post-secondary academic institution.

CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to the physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.

CSIS Offices in Canada are located on various ancestral and traditional lands. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge all Indigenous People across Canada and their connection to these lands.

CSIS is looking for students who thrive on tackling diverse challenges in a unique environment. If you are up for the challenge and want to join one of our highest performing teams, there is no doubt that your contributions to CSIS will provide a meaningful impact to our mission of helping keep Canadians safe against national security threats.

CSIS offers opportunities for students to gain valuable experience with the possibility to return for multiple placements in different areas.

Students will be given the opportunity to cultivate their skills and knowledge by being paired with experienced employees who will provide feedback during the work term. They will have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience before choosing a career specialization.

Our program is designed to identify and develop potential full-time employees.

Special consideration may be given to those with a proficiency in both official languages of Canada.

Summary of functions

Students will assist with tasks including but not limited to the following:

• Support the organization, preparation and processing of documents for filing in legal proceedings before Federal Court and other Courts or tribunals;
• Assist in preparing, proofreading, and/or editing correspondence and reports etc. for counsel according to rules of procedures, legal correspondence standards, Department of Justice, CSIS and Unit policies and procedures;
• Monitor, review and sort, both electronic and paper correspondence to determine nature of the issues, prioritize and action as required;
• Correspond and liaise with the Court/Tribunal, Department of Justice, CSIS and other government officials, etc. regarding a variety of issues (either legal or administrative in nature);
• Coordinate meetings and presentations for counsel and manage their agendas, which can include taking minutes of meetings, retrieving relevant information for counsel, developing agendas, and providing appropriate follow-up services;
• Perform basic legal research, locate and retrieve case law and legislation, by using a variety of databases;
• Maintain legal files by monitoring developments (including use of bring forward BF system);
• Participate in the delivery of support services as part of the legal and administrative support team. .

Registered full-time in one of the following academic paths and years at the time of placement: 

• College Diploma student in their 3rd year;
• Undergraduate degree student in their 3rd year or higher;
• Graduate-level student (Master’s or Ph.D.)

Must be in a field of study relevant to the functions of the position for which the candidates apply to; such as, but not limited to:

• Law
• Law Clerk
• Paralegal and/or Legal Assistant

Applicants must be registered as a full-time, post-secondary student in an accredited academic institution recognized in Canada during their work term. 

Candidates with experience in the following are preferable:

Experience may have been acquired through formal and informal settings (e.g. school, volunteer work experience or projects) 

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including experience with Word;
• Experience having searched and retrieved information from legal research repositories such as Canlii, Quicklaw or Westlaw.

Assets

• Experience providing legal or administrative support services, including the analysis, preparation and processing of correspondence/documents and/or the coordination and management of meetings/presentations/agendas.

• Experience and Knowledge
• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Judgement
• Organizational Skills/Multitasking
• Rigour

How to submit application:

Applicants must include the following information in their cover letter in order to be given further consideration:

Name of Student:
Graduation date:
Program of Study:
Post Secondary School:

• Specify if you are enrolled in a co-op placement or internship.
• Availability: What is the length of your term (4, 8, 12 or 16 months)? 
• Studies: What is your current year of study and your expected graduation date?

Tips for your Cover Letter and Resume:

• Tell us your story: why do you want to work for CSIS?
• Work objectives.
• Technical abilities (where applicable).
• Volunteer or work Experience (where applicable).
• Projects (where applicable).

While we continue to explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, the majority of work in our organization must be done in the office and cannot be performed at home.

Salary Range

College or undergraduate

Annual Rate: $46,548-$66,035

Hourly Rate: $23.79-$33.75

Graduate 

Annual Rate: $53,220-$67,151

Hourly Rate: $27.20-$34.32

• Hourly salary
• Public Service Commission Approved CO-OP (Co-operative Education)/Internship Programs
• Self-assessment language tests