
Legal Assistant, Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Toronto, ON
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Drafting, preparing and typing of correspondence, pleadings, motions records, briefs, various litigation documents and court forms.
- Arranging for service and online filing of documents and related instructions to process servers/agents, and for periodic acceptance of service of documents.
- Preparing and monitoring a bring-forward system and diarizing court dates, examinations for discovery, meetings, and appointments.
- Preparing and filing court documentation and communication with applicable parties (courts, clients, opposing counsel, etc.)
- Dealing with and responding to client inquiries and conducting follow up as required.
- Proofread documents and check for appropriate formatting, spelling, grammar, and clarity
- Maintaining knowledge with the Rules of Civil Procedure and Case Center requirements to ensure procedural compliance.
- Coordinating workflow by delegating tasks to internal support teams (e.g., Office Services, Reception, Admin Support), and follow up to confirm timely completion.
- Opening and organizing new files; manage large, complex files using a structured electronic filing and retrieval system to enable efficient access to records.
- Maintaining, organizing files and records in accordance with firm policies, including overseeing precedents and file retention systems as required.
- Processing incoming and outgoing mail, including maintenance of email accounts and managing bring forwards.
- General administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and meetings, photocopying materials, booking meeting rooms, making travel arrangements, etc.; working with other related Departments/services internally to provide documents and other materials on time to meet client needs.
- Coordinating travel for lawyers, including preparing detailed itineraries and processing travel expense reports.
- Maintaining and updating client contact information in the firm's database (Interaction).
- Coordinating client meetings by booking boardrooms, organizing catering, and arranging AV or other required equipment.
- Preparing and updating forms such as cheque requisitions and expense reports.
- Assisting with the preparation and finalization of time entry according to firm standards
- Preparing accounts, manages pre-bills and with a strong working proficiency with all accounting and billing procedures.
- Updating and maintaining client/matter lists.
- Demonstrating a team approach; supporting and standing in for colleagues to cover absences; ensuring strict adherence to confidentiality; accountability in relation to both internal and external clients to achieve outputs and goals for the Department and the Firm.
- Other duties as assigned.
- This position requires a minimum of five (5) years litigation work experience.
- Knowledge of civil litigation procedures, sound understanding of the Rules of Civil Procedure, Small Claims Court Rules and related Forms, Practice Directions and Case Center.
- Passion for working in a team environment, willing to help others and comfortable with sharing work assignments.
- Ability to produce a high quality and quantity of work, occasionally under tight timelines.
- Able to meet deadlines, work well under pressure and take initiative using sound judgment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
- Technology-savvy with excellent technical proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including ACL.
- Knowledge of accounting/docketing systems and data management systems (i.e. 3E, Intapp and iManage).
- Excellent organizational/follow up skills; attention to detail, proof reading and accuracy are required.
- Professional client and telephone manner and a proven track record of working with confidential information.
- Able to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Must have excellent problem solving skills, the ability to work with little instruction or supervision and be internally motivated.
- Professionalism demonstrated with colleagues, clients both in person and conversing by phone.
- Strong grammatical skills, including punctuation and proofreading, attention to detail and accuracy are a must.
- Demonstrated commitment to privacy and ethical conduct.