Legal Assistant - Litigation

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 1,300 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 arena. 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 are currently recruiting for a Legal Assistant to join our Litigation department in our Vancouver Office. The successful candidate will assist in managing the practices of several Legal Professionals through the provision of administrative support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages time, resources, workflow and deadlines of legal professionals which involves maintaining a filing system for all documents, compiling and organizing materials required for legal professional’s work-in-progress, opening up new files, etc.
• Prepares and assists in compiling all court documents including affidavits, application records, books of authority, etc.
• Maintains and organizes a detailed bring forward systems to ensure crucial litigation and insolvency and restructuring deadlines are met.
• Coordinates with court registries to resolve inquiries from counsel as they arise.
• Interacts with clients, responds to and appropriately escalates client inquiries.
• Performs client account administration which involves ensuring that dockets are submitted, reviewing and editing e-prebills, preparing invoices for review by legal professionals, verifying fees and disbursements, preparing write-offs and addressing client inquiries regarding billing.
• Receives, researches, prepares and follow up on audit inquiries.
• Handles confidential materials and documents.
• Provides clerical and administrative support such as filing, answering the telephone, making travel arrangements, scheduling meetings, performing research as required, photocopying and binding materials, etc.

Education and Experience

• The position requires the completion of a Legal Assistant program.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in Commercial Litigation.
• Previous experience with Insolvency & Restructuring is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Supreme Court Civil Rules, BC Reg 168/2009 procedures and insolvency and restructuring terminology considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency with computers including advanced Excel, Word and Adobe skills. Experience with Aderant software would be an asset.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written), focused listening, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Superior organizational skill and ability to anticipate and plan ahead.
• Sound judgement and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as thrive in a team-based environment collaborating with local team members and colleagues from other offices.
• Attention to detail, organized and time management skills along with the ability to balance daily work.
• Ability to handle pressure and remain calm when dealing with deadlines and large volumes of work.
• Positive attitude, patience, resilience and a sense of humour.

Reports

• Direct: Manager, Human Resources

Compensation:

The typical hiring salary range for this position is $55,000 - $70,000 annually; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal and market equity.

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.

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 primarily in the office and flexibility to work remotely up to 1 day per week depending on business needs.

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,

Please note we use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for the position.