Legal Assistant - Litigation (Indigenous Law)

Who We Are:

Aird & Berlis LLP is a prominent Canadian business law firm located in the heart of Toronto’s and Vancouver’s financial districts. With over 250 lawyers, business advisors and patent agents, we serve clients across Canada and globally.

What We Believe In:

The firm is committed to ensuring that all members of the Aird & Berlis LLP community feel valued, respected and supported. We are a dedicated group of diverse individuals who care about each other, the work we produce and the client service we provide. We go to great lengths to foster a professional, supportive environment for all firm members so you can focus on the important things: client service, your career and your life.

What We Are Looking For:

Aird & Berlis LLP is looking to fill an open vacancy for a Legal Assistant to support a team in our Indigenous Practice Law Group. The successful candidate should have knowledge of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure and knowledge of procedures related to Regulatory Bodies, the Federal Court of Canada and Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Prior experience or knowledge of Aboriginal/Indigenous Law is considered an asset. If you have high energy, strong technical skills, are skilled at managing shifting priorities and demands, and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, this role would be a good fit for you.

Responsibilities:

• Independently manage the daily operation of a team of legal professionals who represent Indigenous clients with a primary practice focus in Aboriginal/Indigenous Law, including, Indigenous rights litigation and the negotiation and implementation of modern day treaties and self-government as well as Environmental, Regulatory, Administrative and Constitutional Law
• Prepare, edit, and complete all necessary correspondence, documentation, and related materials
• Prepare documents for Regulatory Boards and Tribunals
• Assist with the finalization of various litigation documents for all court levels including Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta courts, the Federal Court of Canada, and the Supreme Court of Canada; including but not limited to motion records, pleadings, notices, affidavits, affidavits of documents, and bill of costs
• Assist with file organization and general practice management for the one Partner and two associates (e.g., saving notes, file naming, etc.)
• Complex calendar management, including, overseeing meeting requests and coordinating with Indigenous clients with respect to booking calls and meetings
• Maintain accurate records of CPD hours, including tracking, updating, and submitting necessary information
• Manage professional licenses and certifications, ensuring timely renewals and compliance with regulatory requirements across the Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Yukon law societies
• Booking travel and accommodation for client meetings as required
• Manage duties related to accounting (dockets, bills, expenses, etc.)
• Communicate professionally with all internal and external clients, court staff and lawyers’ offices
• Handle daily administrative details
• Produce the highest quality of work
• Accountable for all work assigned
• Take initiative
• Confidential

Requirements:

• Minimum of five years’ previous experience as a Legal Assistant in Litigation
• Successful completion of a related post-secondary Legal Assistant or Law Clerk program
• Strong knowledge of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure
• Knowledge of procedures related to Regulatory Bodies, the Federal Court of Canada, and Ontario Superior Court of Justice
• Experience with Alberta and British Columbia courts and knowledge of Aboriginal/Indigenous Law would be considered an asset
• Handle time pressure situations and stress of multiple demands

Skills:

• Microsoft 365 suite of applications
• Ability to problem solve
• Good judgement and decision making
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organized
• Resourceful
• Detailed

Compensation: 

The salary range for this position is $65,000- $80,000 annually; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal and market equity.

Why You Should Apply:

• Opportunities for growth and on the job training and development
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• We pride ourselves on being a mid-sized firm with a family feel
• Active involvement in our community with opportunities to volunteer
• Mentor program
• Wellness programs

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon a criminal background check. 

We will review applications as they are received and all applications will be kept on file. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Aird & Berlis LLP is committed to providing equal access to employment. If you require accommodation, please contact ckelly@airdberlis.com and we will work with you to provide accessibility support.