We are growing our team and have an immediate opening for an energetic, experienced Legal Assistant at our Bridgewater office, located at 197 Dufferin Street, Suite 302.
The Legal Assistant will provide legal & administrative support to lawyers in various areas of law, including Litigation, Family Law, and Wills/Estates. As capacity allows, the Legal Assistant will also provide overflow and coverage support for the office as needed. This will include as part of a weekly rotation for reception break coverage.
Standard work hours are 35 per week, and it is an in-office role.
Key Areas of Responsibility
General administrative duties, including file and records management, arranging appointments, document assembly, copying and binding, and managing incoming and outgoing mail, e-mail, and telephone calls.
Prepare and review correspondence and legal documents at lawyer’s request and direction including memos, letters, forms, etc.
Deal efficiently with matters on an emergency basis, including last-minute preparation of documents, prioritizing matters on a regular basis throughout the day and rescheduling lawyer’s day on short notice when required by contacting clients, other lawyers, etc.
Coordinating monthly billing process, sending out invoices in a timely manner, sending out reminder notices to clients, following up on overdue accounts
Back-up Support & Coverage - Where the work for the assigned lawyer(s) is completed and in the situation where colleagues are on vacation or otherwise away from the office, assisting with fellow staff members’ responsibilities to ensure the office operates at optimum efficiency and service standards
Qualifications
Completion of a Paralegal Diploma and prior experience in a legal office environment are ideal. However, other combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Experience in Litigation, including Family Law, and Estate Planning and Probate are strong assets
Highly detailed-oriented and impeccably organized
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and with a sense of urgency to ensure deadlines are met
Strong verbal and written communication skills with excellent spelling and grammar
Basic Accounting skills
Organized, highly detail-oriented, and able to effectively prioritize and manage multiple requests concurrently
Genuine team player, who thrives on contributing to the team’s success
Ability to effectively prioritize, track, and follow-up on outstanding items with all parties involved including the lawyers, colleagues, and clients
Accurately follows instructions and asks questions to clarify requirements & ensure work is done properly
Strong judgment, and in time, develop comfort to act independently and anticipate lawyers’ needs
Demonstrate discretion and sound judgement in handling of confidential information this includes a high degree of integrity and trust
Strong keyboarding skills
Technologically proficient with a strong ability to learn, embrace, and effectively use new technology
We are seeking to fill this position as soon as possible. If you are interested and meet the requirements of this position, please Apply Now with your resume and cover letter.
About Us
Patterson Law LLP is an established Nova Scotia law firm with offices in Truro, Halifax, New Glasgow, and Bridgewater and with clients whose interests range from global to purely local. Our more than 150 lawyers and staff are dedicated to meeting our clients’ diverse legal needs. We endeavour to maintain the highest standard of service to our clients. This can only be accomplished by employing qualified, educated, and motivated staff.
We are pleased to offer our staff a competitive salary, group insurance coverage from day one, and pension plan membership after a year.
Patterson Law LLP hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to employment equity and welcome diversity. Applications are encouraged from all interested and qualified individuals.