Legal Assistant

Description

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

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 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 a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, 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 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 Counsel, Development and Infrastructure Law, we are seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to provide confidential, legal and administrative support to three lawyers and Senior Law Clerk in the Environmental Law Group and the Infrastructure and Development Law Group. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, a keen understanding of corporate commercial legal processes and terminology, and the ability to manage a diverse range of tasks in a fast-paced collegial environment. 

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• 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.
• Assists multiple solicitors by maintaining schedules, task lists, inbox organization, printing documents, arranging meetings and attendance at courses, making travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Assists in the processing of external legal invoices.
• Drafts and/or prepares various documents, agreements, corporate searches, correspondence, pertaining to municipal infrastructure projects, environmental\ and corporate/commercial matters as assigned.
• Administers and processes legal documents and  arranges for execution of agreements.
• Assists in drafting and in the preparation of confidential correspondence, documents and reports.
• 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.
• Receives, redirects and responds, as appropriate, to communications and takes appropriate action to ensure urgent matters are dealt with quickly.
• Responds to inquiries, referring urgent matters to appropriate staff, and ensures timely communication with solicitors.
• 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  with an emphasis on corporate/commercial matters. Experience in municipal-related matters would be considered an asset.
• Thorough knowledge of the preparation of various legal documents, contracts, agreements, records and file systems, and clerical administrative practices.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.  
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications and Workshare Compare.
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems.
• Detail oriented with exceptional organizational and communication skills and ability to assess priorities and work independently to meet required deadlines with conflicting demands and changing priorities. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and exercise good judgement and discretion in dealing with confidential information and/or responding to inquiries.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.

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