lawyer

associate

legal assistant

marketing assistant

client coordinator

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Working with funny people can make a huge difference in the workplace. They bring a sense of lightness and energy that can transform even the most stressful days into something manageable and enjoyable. Their ability to crack a joke at the right time or turn a dull meeting into a lively conversation can boost morale and create a positive team environment. Funny coworkers often make the workplace feel more like a community than just a place to earn a paycheck. Their humor not only relieves tension but also helps build strong relationships among colleagues.

Laughter is contagious, and when one person starts the day with a joke or a funny story, it often spreads throughout the office, making everyone feel a bit better. These individuals also tend to be more approachable, making it easier for others to collaborate and communicate. In short, funny people at work can improve team dynamics, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

I am assigned two principal lawyers - and may be assigned a summer or a regular articling law student also - but expected to help out the group as needed. Recently, management added more human resources personnel to micro manage support staff but at same time reduced support staff on floors. I am expected to finish all my job assignments on time and still volunteer for firm sponsored charity events in order to have job security. Have to cater to principal bosses and other lawyers who may need help. Because of periodic lay-offs of long-term employees, support staff are insecure and watch each other, some reporting their rivals or personal enemies to H.R. for their own benefit. A lot of office politics and beware if you get caught in the cross-fire.

Blakes Ottawa was a large branch of one of the top international law firms in Canada until it downsized to a much smaller firm (as many Ottawa firms have done over the last ten years) several years ago.  

Blakes provides a stable work environment with competitive pay rates and good benefits.  I spent some of the happiest working years at Blakes Ottawa and made lifelong friends, both with support staff as well as professionals.  

Blakes’ lawyers and support staff are exceedingly professional.  I have spent all my working life within the scope of a law firm and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Blakes if you are retaining a lawyer or looking for employment there.

I did my best to get involved, and ended up having to lower myself and offer to file and photocopy for people just to have something to do.  I was dismissed by the other legal assistants when I asked for or offered help and not one person in the firm offered to provide me with training, despite my repetitive requests.  The only reason I stayed was because they were paying m but I had no incentive to stay.  

Big law on Bay Street is not known for it's work-life balance, so that's to be expected. Firm management truly strives to minimize the negative impacts, especially for admin staff, but still, it continues to be a demanding environment. Benefits are good (dental, but no vision care) and salary really depends on your negotiation skills and the department/role you work in. Salary raises based on performance reviews are not overly generous, so advocate for a decent salary in your interview. This review does not apply to legal professionals, as everything from salary to benefits differs for lawyers.

One of the lowest paid firms on Bay St.  Did not provide cost of living pay increase despite Managing Partner  crowing at the Holiday how much money the firm had made.  HR looks to have assistant spy on each other.  Toxic environment.  Lawyers great - HR awful - some of the assistant who have been there a long time need to be put out to pasture - they behave like High School kids.  I managed to stick it out for three years but overall - would not recommend this firm.

I learned a great deal about working as a lawyer in an intense practice environment, and discovered a great deal about my own practice interests. A fine opportunity to work on challenging and novel legal issues, though less emphasis is placed on work-life balance than I would have personally preferred.

Although a person in a support staff position may have a good work ethic, that does not necessarily translate into a decent salary increase that matches inflation.  It seems HR rarely understands the daily duties as performed by staff. This is typical of the industry as a whole.

Blakes is a fantastic place to work. The overall environment is collegial and laid back, not stuffy or overly formal. Pay and vacation time allotted to staff is generous. Staff are treated well and many events take place throughout the year to recognize their hard work. I found it very rewarding to work at Blakes and I sincerely miss being part of the Blakes family.

I have been enjoying my work in the Catering department within the corporate setting of Blakes. I have learned a greater appreciation for teamwork and how to time manage more effectively.

Although now i feel it is time to look elsewhere for a more challenging and ambitious postion.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Lawyer 4 salaries reported	$139,750 per year
Associate 4 salaries reported	$205,000 per year
Legal assistant 4 salaries reported	$65,625 per year
Marketing assistant 3 salaries reported	$22.67 per hour
Client coordinator 3 salaries reported	$67,500 per year

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