Legal Assistant

Status - Regular Full-Time - Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months - Type of Position - a Replacement - Start Date - Immediate - Salary - Annually - Salary Grade - $72,847.00 - $82,745.00 - Department - York Region -> Legal & Court Services -> Legal Services - Location - Legal Services - 17250 Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1 CA (Primary)- Job Description (E) **ABOUT US** Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada - and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometres over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources. **WHAT WE OFFER** Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace - aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls. - DEFINED BENEFIT PENSIONS PROGRAM - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions. - EMPLOYER OF CHOICE - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations. - BENEFITS AND WELLNESS - Employees and their loved ones have access to a Health Care Spending Account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. - INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE WORKPLACE - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership. **POSITION PURPOSE**: Reporting to the Deputy Regional Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution and Construction Law Section, provides confidential legal and administrative support to the Deputy and supports the Litigation Law Group, responsible for drafting and preparing correspondence and legal documents on a confidential basis related to dispute resolution and litigation matters involving Regional Departments. **MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**: - Drafts and/or prepares various documents, pleadings and supporting materials, corporate searches and correspondence. - Administers and processes legal documents and ensures limitation periods are tracked to protect the legal and financial interests of the Region; arranges for signatures and execution of documents and agreements. - Assists in drafting and in the preparation of confidential correspondence, documents and reports. - Maintains filing system, precedents etc. and updates records and lists to ensure accuracy; files correspondence, reports and other documents in accordance with Regional standards and assists with records management. - Acts as the communications link between staff and cross-department staff, outside agencies and the public. - Produces and distributes documents, ensuring security and confidentiality of information. - Identifies best practices and procedures in connection with job duties and responsibilities and implements changes. - Drafts and/or prepares and co-ordinates background material for briefing notes, as appropriate - Conducts legal research utilizing various legal research software. - Receives, redirects and responds, as appropriate, to communications and takes appropriate action to ensure urgent matters are dealt with quickly. - Assists Litigation team by arranging meetings and attendance at courses, making travel and accommodation arrangements. - Responds to inquiries, referring urgent matters to appropriate staff, and ensures timely communication to the Deputy and the Litigation team. - Schedules meetings as required. - Performs other duties as assigned to meet Branch and Department objectives. - Team player who collaborates closely with members of Litigation team and staff across the Legal Department **QUALIFICATIONS**: - Successful completion of a post-secondary education in a Legal Assistant Program or equivalent approved combination of education and experience. - Minimum of five (5) years legal administrative experience in a private or public law practice with an emphasis on litigation as well as sound working