Legal Assistant

Status - Temporary Full-Time - Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months - 12 - Type of Position - an Addition to Staff - 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 kilometers 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** - Defined Benefit Pension 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 an employee 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. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation. - Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - 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. **ABOUT THE ROLE**: Reporting to the Senior Counsel, provides confidential, legal and administrative support, including drafting or preparing correspondence and legal documents, assist law group with document development processes, organization and maintenance of lawyers’ files, coordinating and scheduling meetings and maintaining lawyers’ calendars as well as administrative management of legal practice. **WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING** - Administers and processes legal documents and arranges for signature, execution and safekeeping of documents and agreements. - Drafts and/or prepares bylaws, agreements, contracts, statements, affidavits, corporate searches, correspondence, documentation pertaining to municipal projects, and corporate/commercial matters as assigned. - Assists in the development of processes for law groups and document development and updates law group procedures manuals. - Coordinates the delivery of program meetings involving external participants. - Assists in drafting and in the preparation of confidential correspondence, documents and reports. - Maintains currency of file lists and filing system, precedents etc. and updates records and lists in a timely manner to ensure accuracy and searchability - Files correspondence, reports and other documents in accordance with Region 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, briefing notes, as appropriate, for response to inquiries. - 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 various Counsel by maintaining schedules, 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 Senior Counsel. - Participates in meetings, staff committees and working groups as assigned. - Performs other duties as assigned to meet Branch and Department objectives. **WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR**: - Successful completion of 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. - Thorough knowledge of the preparation of various legal documents, c