Legal Assistant, Employment, Pensions & Estates in Toronto, Ontario at Goodmans LLP

Goodmans LLP is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s leading and most innovative law firms. We offer market leading expertise in M&A, corporate, securities and finance, private equity, real estate, tax, restructuring, litigation and other business-related specialties.

What makes Goodmans a great place to work? Knowing you are part of a team that will ensure you feel valued, connected and supported. We are committed to fostering a dynamic and engaging culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, then this is the place for you. Join us and put yourself in good company!

We are looking for a full-time Legal Assistant for a current opportunity within our Employment, Pensions, Benefits & Estates group. This role provides legal administrative support to legal professionals. The role is responsible for managing daily office tasks, preparing and processing legal documentation, coordinating schedule and court deadlines, maintaining client file records and ensuring efficient workflow management. The legal assistant acts as a point of contact for clients and external parties while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism and accuracy in all administrative and legal support functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare, format, and proofread legal documents, including letters of engagement, termination of employment letters and employment agreements, supporting estate planning documents such as direction and affidavit
• Timekeeping & accounting, including entering and finalizing dockets, preparing Workflow forms and further documentation related to cheque requisitions, AMEX statements and other accounting procedures
• Acquiring approval for continuing legal education and attendance to present at seminars, arranging airfare and hotel with accounting for reimbursement by the seminar or Goodmans
• Email, phone & calendar management, including liaising with clients, scheduling appointments, arranging conference calls, booking facilities and other meeting requirements
• Managing file opening and conflict searches
• Coordinate firm resources including working with support departments and other legal assistants to ensure required actions are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Maintains a list of files and assists with the monthly billing process
• Providing back-up assistance to other lawyers and assistants during absences as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Post-secondary education with a focus on legal administration or equivalent
• 2+ years of relevant experience within a legal professional services environment
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office Suite including: Outlook and Word
• Prior experience working with employment and/or pensions, benefits, and estate lawyers would be considered an asset
• Knowledge of document management practices
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to organize, multi-task, and prioritize appropriately
• Demonstrates excellent service and the ability to anticipate both client and legal professional needs
• Strong problem solving skills, flexibility, and posses the ability to work effectively with others
• Knowledge of law firm monthly billing process
• Strong work ethic, demonstrates initiative, self-directed, and holds an advanced capability for task completion with minimal supervision

We Offer:
We’re proud to offer a workplace that’s both supportive and rewarding. When you join our team, you can look forward to:

• Competitive compensation that recognizes the value you bring to our team. For this role, the anticipated annual salary range is $55,000 - $65,000, commensurate with skills, experience and qualifications;
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, retirement savings, vacation and additional perks; and
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities to support with your growth and career goals.

This opportunity is in respect of an existing vacancy. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with certain aspects of our recruitment efforts. Final hiring decisions are made by the Human Resources team in collaboration with the relevant manager.

Goodmans LLP is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects different abilities, backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, identities and perspectives. Goodmans LLP invites applications from all qualified candidates. For applicants with disabilities requiring accommodation at any point in the recruitment process, please contact HR@goodmans.ca.