Trust Specialist (12 Month Contract)

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.
Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal field. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to begin a career or carve out a new path. We care about our staff and the working environment here proves it
As a Trust Specialist, you will be responsible for efficiently and diligently managing the firm’s dormant trust accounts. You will be expected to apply exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills to navigate through high volumes of outstanding balances and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Your primary objective will be to clean up dormant trust balances by distributing aged funds through various channels, including returning funds to clients, sending funds to the Law Society, or applying them to outstanding accounts receivable. This role requires interacting with Partners, Associates, Legal Assistants, Firm Management, Law Societies, and others to facilitate the distribution of aged trust balances.
Pease note: this is a 12 month contract opportunity.
Major Responsibilities:

• Funds Distribution: Facilitate the prompt and accurate distribution of dormant trust funds by returning funds to clients, sending funds to the Law Society, or applying them against outstanding accounts receivable.
• Performance Measurement: Evaluate results based on the amount of funds successfully cleared from dormant trust accounts during the contract period.
• Beneficiary Location: Utilize investigative techniques, resources, and communication skills to locate beneficiaries or rightful recipients of trust funds.
• Documentation Preparation: Prepare necessary documentation and letters to remit funds to the Law Society and/or return to clients.
• Collaboration: Interact and collaborate with lawyers, legal assistants, accounting staff, and firm management to collect relevant information and coordinate trust fund distribution processes.
• Persistent Follow-Up: Demonstrate persistence in pursuing dormant trust beneficiaries, following up with legal professionals and/or their LAs and clearing balances from the trust account.
• Identify and Evaluate Dormant Trust Accounts: Conduct thorough reviews of dormant trust accounts to assess their status, outstanding balances, and relevant documentation.
• Compliance Adherence: Ensure all actions and processes comply with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements set forth by the Law Society and other governing bodies.
• Independence: Work independently to manage multiple tasks efficiently within the contract's timeframe.
• Communication and Reporting: Maintain clear and open communication regarding the progress of dormant trust cleanup and returning funds.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and organized records of all actions, communications, and updates related to the dormant trust cleanup process.

Position Requirements:
Education and Experience
The position requires a Community College diploma (accounting courses are an asset) and a minimum of three to five years of experience in finance and/or legal industry. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be acceptable.
Knowledge and Skills

• Attention to details and accuracy with numbers is paramount
• Adobe Acrobat Pro – merge files and usage of fillable PDFs
• Very strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Microsoft Suite – Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams
• Persistent and determined attitude to tackle challenges and follow up on outstanding balances
• Bi-lingual (English & French) is an asset
• Ability to work independently, yet communicate effectively with a team
• Knowledge of computer applications/programs, such as:
• Sound judgement and analytical skills
• DocuSign – electronic document sharing/signing tool to obtain authorizations
• Confidence in dealing with various stakeholders
• Aderant Expert – post daily trust transactions

For the safety of firm members and visitors, Osler is committed to complying with the recommendations of public health authorities, including with respect to adopting mandatory vaccination policies. Employment at Osler is therefore conditional on complying with any vaccination policies that Osler may adopt from time to time in response to the recommendations of public health authorities.
We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work partially in the office.
Accessibility and Accommodation
We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.
Background and Reference Checks
Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.
If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.
No agencies or phone calls/emails please.
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