Legal Assistant - Labour & Employment

At McCarthy Tétrault, we offer challenging and rewarding career opportunities and are delighted to have been selected for the eleventh consecutive year in 2023 as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers . Our culture is built on professional excellence, collaboration, innovation, thought leadership and entrepreneurialism. We embrace inclusion in all its forms and we provide the tools and opportunities to help our people develop to their full potential.

This position is based out of Toronto. McCarthy Tétrault employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

As a Legal Assistant - Labour & Employment , you will be:

Documents

• Proofreading documents and checking for appropriate formatting, spelling, grammar and clarity.
• Coordinating and dispersing tasks to be performed by various resource groups such as the Document Specialists, Administrative Clerks, Billing Assistants, etc. where appropriate while ensuring tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Preparing, editing, formatting, printing, scanning and revising correspondence, memoranda, litigation documents, reports, forms, labels and other printed material through dictation, copy typing or other instructions, in accordance with the requirements set by the practice group.

Litigation

• Scheduling and coordinating discoveries, expert witnesses or other court-designated hearings. Monitoring evidence gathering.
• Preparing basic court pleadings or other courtroom visuals.
• Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of legal terminology, court rules and procedures as well as medical terminology where applicable.
• Assisting lawyers in the preparation and coordination of hearings and trials; recording and monitoring court appearance dates, pleadings and filing requirements.
• Coordinating service and filing of proceedings with agencies and courts.

File and Time Management

• Managing files including: opening new files, maintaining large and complex files, developing, maintaining and utilizing an orderly filing and retrieval system to ensure ease of reference to historical paper or electronic records, organizing law and precedent files.
• Managing key dates including physical bring forward system and updating calendars for assigned lawyers, including their meetings, appointments, due dates and client-related activities.
• Working with Records Management and Administrative Clerks to create, maintain and store client files as appropriate.

Lawyer / Client Support

• Updating contact names and addresses in the client database on a regular basis.
• Coordinating lawyer travel arrangements, including preparing itineraries and travel expense reports.
• Coordinating client meetings, including scheduling rooms and arranging for needed catering or audio-visual equipment.

Mail, Fax and Phone Reception Functions

• Receiving, handling, screening and/or directing incoming calls as directed by lawyers; responding to routine inquiries and requests from clients; and taking messages as required.
• Reviewing and routing incoming mail and fax communications; preparing and processing outgoing mail and faxes; and arranging for specialized mail or messenger services as required.

Financial and Administrative Functions

• Coordinating activities with functional area staff (Office Services, Marketing, etc.), as needed.
• Working with Finance to coordinate new Client and Matter openings (KYC);
• Providing consistent backup support when assistants are absent; providing support to assistants who may be managing multiple tasks and/or difficult deadlines; and working proactively as a positive and productive member of the team.
• Assisting with the preparation and finalization of time entry on a daily basis according to firm standards in preparation for Billing Assistant to process.

Other

• Maintaining and updating job knowledge and technical skills by identifying and participating in education opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

As our ideal candidate, you will distinguish yourself by the following profile:

• Walks the talk, respects individual differences, and supports the Firm’s interests.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a L&E Legal Assistant.
• Knowledge of the Human Rights Tribunal, and Ontario Labour Board.
• Ability to provide excellent and timely service to clients and colleagues by understanding their needs and using available resources.
• Legal Assistant Diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrates relevant expertise, critical thinking skills and initiative to consistently deliver quality work.
• Ability to work effectively with others by being flexible, respectful, communicating clearly, and proactively sharing knowledge and offering assistance.

As a member of the McCarthy team, you will have access to:

• A commitment to professional development and growth opportunities for our people at all levels, supported by a culture that fully embraces and encourages two-way feedback.
• Strong community involvement and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• A collaborative, cohesive culture that connects lawyers and business teams through collective purpose.
• Competitive compensation, paid overtime and generous time off, including a day off to volunteer and a day off for your birthday.
• Outstanding benefits from day one, including insurance premiums paid by the Firm and wellness and technology reimbursements.

We thank all applicants for their interest in McCarthy Tétrault; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. We regret that we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about application status. McCarthy Tétrault is an equal opportunity employer that fosters an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.