Family Law Legal Assistant (Truro)

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 have an upcoming opening for a Family Law Legal Assistant at our Truro office, located at 10 Church Street.

The Legal Assistant will provide legal & administrative support to the lawyers in the Truro Litigation Group as well as the group overall, primarily in the area of Family Law.  In addition, this position will assist with occasional reception coverage.

Standard work hours are 34.5 per week.  Some flexibility and occasional overtime will be required.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Manage, coordinate and ensure the smooth flow of work in a family law practice, supporting lawyers as assigned
• Effectively manage family clients’ applications and intake, obtaining required information to complete draft affidavits, financial statements, and other required forms
• Prepare, draft and review correspondence and legal documents, including pleadings, briefs, court orders, affidavits, separation agreements and legal memoranda, etc.
• Maintain lawyer calendars including appointment scheduling, court dates and other matters
• Communicate with clients and opposing counsel
• General administrative duties including file and records management, transcription, copying, binding, scanning, scheduling and arranging meetings, conferences, seminars, travel, etc. when required; coordination of lawyers’ billing and following up regarding unpaid accounts
• Assistance with local deliveries as needed
• Coverage for staff absences, including within the department and as part of a pool for reception break coverage
• Additional projects and tasks as required.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of Paralegal diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in a law office, preferably in Family Law practice, is an asset
• Understanding of various litigation and family law proceedings, including good working knowledge of legal terminology, legal research, Family Law Rules and court procedures would be ideal
• Ability to effectively take direction from multiple sources and to work independently and take initiative when appropriate
• Strong judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity – know when to move forward and when to seek guidance
• Ability to effectively prioritize, track, and follow-up on outstanding items with all parties involved including the lawyers, colleagues, and clients
• Excellent typing and communication skills, including attention to detail and accuracy and capacity to work under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing priorities
• Energetic, flexible, and willing to pitch in wherever necessary
• If you are interested and meet the requirements of this position, please apply with resume and cover letter to careers@pattersonlaw.ca.

We are pleased to offer our staff a competitive salary, group insurance coverage day one, and pension plan membership at one-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.

Internal and external candidates may be considered simultaneously for this posting.