Legal Assistant, Litigation Services

Legal Assistant, Litigation Services (Contract) University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Description Overview

At Law Society of Ontario we believe in the importance of a collaborative and supportive work environmentthat provides high quality andprofessional service to the public, lawyers and paralegals, and other stakeholders.

We are always on the lookout for exceptional individuals who are ready to make a meaningful impact, innovate and grow with us. Our offering:

We value each member of our team and invest in your professional learning and development.

We provide access to the resources needed to support professional growth, mental health and well-being is a priority.

Our competitive compensation package includes a defined contribution pension plan, health and dental benefits plan and a robust Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP).

Our progressive employment policies, high levels of employeeengagement and the impressive architecture and beautiful grounds of the historic Osgoode Hall, there are many reasons to work at the Law Society.

We hope you will consider joining the Law Society

Job Purpose

Provides legal administrative support to the department, including the Director, Senior Manager, Senior Team of Litigators and Discipline Litigators. Plans, organizes, and coordinates practices and procedures support, ensuring ongoing case management while meeting competing deadlines relating to the internal complaints process and regulatory and/or court proceedings. Prepares hearing documentation for Tribunal and court proceedings, providing para-professional, organizational, and technical support while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Qualifications

Requires completion of a 2-year college program in Law Clerk or Paralegal diploma or a related discipline.

Requires either Law Clerk Certificate and membership in the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario, a Paralegal license, or a license with the Law Society, or equivalent experience (at least 5 years of significant and directly relevant experience).

Requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience as a law clerk or legal assistant in a law practice, government, and/or regulatory environment (preferably litigation).

Professional Knowledge:

Solid knowledge of law office, court, and/or tribunal practices and procedures is essential, including legal terminology; the drafting, preparation and handling of legal correspondence and documents (affidavits, legal correspondence, etc.)

Working knowledge of the Rules of Civil Procedure and/or the applicable Rules of Practice for an Administrative Tribunal.

Knowledge of the Law Society’s organizational structure, services, mandate, rules, and regulations is an advantage or willingness to learn.

Knowledge of current trends and developments in the legal profession.

Knowledge of legal procedures and substantive areas of law (e.g., real estate, estates, and family law.)

Written and verbal skills in French would be an asset.

Technical Skills:

Microsoft Office Suite / 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Case management systems and software such as Adobe Acrobat DC, ShareFile, SharePoint.

Experience locating legal cases on CanLII.

Conducting internet directory searches, and research on a variety of legal and internet searches.

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Relationship Management

Interpersonal, oral, and written communication, and presentation skills

Organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail

Project coordination, prioritization, and time management skills

The ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced environment while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.

Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills.

Key Accountabilities

Case Management and Legal Document Handling:

Assists and ensures procedural, legal, and administrative requirements are met with respect to applications before the Tribunal and Courts, including file management, document preparation, correspondence, service of documents, and liaising with witnesses.

Prepares and files materials for hearings, motions, and appeals with the Tribunal Office and Courts, ensuring compliance with the Law Society’s Rules of Practice and Procedure and the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Prepares affidavits, charts, correspondence, and memoranda, and organizes legal materials, including books of authorities, document books, facta, exhibits, and hearing briefs for the Discipline Litigator’s review.

Coordinates the service of materials to relevant parties through process servers, and emails, ensures accurate and timely maintenance of the case management system.

Orders transcripts