Department of Justice Guide on Security for Legal Agents

5. Justice Canada Legal Security Assessment

A Justice Canada Legal Security Assessment (JCLSA) is a departmental security assessment conducted to establish a baseline understanding of a legal agent firm’s organizational, physical, and personnel security posture. The JCLSA is only required for legal agents accessing Protected C or Classified level information. If a JCLSA is required, the Department’s Personnel Security Screening Office will contact your office and provide the necessary forms.

As part of the JCLSA process, the firm’s Managing Partner must identify and appoint a Legal Agent Security Officer (LASO) and an Alternate Legal Agent Security Officer (ALASO). The LASO is to act as the primary point of contact with the Department on all security related matters and is responsible for facilitating individual and organization-related security screenings. The ALASO is responsible for carrying out the duties of the LASO, as required. The LASO and ALASO(s) must be individuals who have the authority to make decisions on security matters and ensure compliance on behalf of the firm. In addition, the Department’s Personnel Security Screening Office advises that the LASO and ALASO(s) must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

5.1. Process to obtain a Legal Security Assessment

The Personnel Security Screening Office will provide to the Managing Partner a Justice Canada Legal Security Assessment (JCLSA) Form. The Managing Partner will need to complete all sections and will return the form to the Personnel Security Screening Office.

As part of this process, the individuals appointed as LASO and ALASO require security screening at the same individual security screening level as contracting counsel. The process to follow in obtaining the required individual security screening or facilitating the validation and transfer of an existing Government of Canada-granted security screening, is described in section 6.

The Department notifies the firm in writing, once the JCLSA has been granted.

5.2. Maintaining Compliance

A JCLSA remains valid on the condition that the firm remains in compliance with all security requirements stipulated in this Guide.

The LASO must immediately notify the Department of any changes in the firm’s ownership, legal structure or address, or changes to the LASO or ALASO(s).

The LASO must maintain on file, all documentation related to the granting and maintenance of a JCLSA.

5.3. Renewal Cycle

A JCLSA granted by the Department, is subject to renewal every five (5) years from the date of issuance. The onus is on the legal agent to notify the Department of its interest in renewing the JCLSA.

To request a renewal, the LASO must submit a completed JCLSA form prior to the renewal date. The Department notifies the firm in writing, once the JCLSA renewal has been granted.