Legal Assistant, Litigation (Bridgewater)

Patterson Law 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 immediate opening for a new Legal Assistant at our Bridgewater location, located at 197 Dufferin Street.

The Legal Assistant will provide legal & administrative support to the lawyers in the Bridgewater Litigation Group, primarily in the area of family law.  They will also assist with overflow work for the office and provide reception coverage for breaks and absences.

Standard work hours are 35 per week.  Some flexibility and occasional overtime will be required.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Manage, coordinate and ensure the smooth flow of work in the assigned lawyer(s) practice
• Prepare, draft and review correspondence and legal documents including pleadings, briefs, court orders, affidavits, separation agreements and legal memoranda; and other documents
• Maintain lawyer calendars including appointment scheduling, court dates and other matters
• Communicate with clients and opposing counsel
• Effectively manage family clients’ applications and intake, obtaining required information to complete draft affidavits, financial statements, and other required forms
• General administrative duties including file and records management, transcription, scheduling and arranging meetings, conferences, seminars, lunches, dinners, travel, etc. when required; coordination of lawyers’ billing and following up re unpaid accounts
• Any other additional projects and tasks as required.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in legal administration, ideally for a Family Law or Litigation practice
• Successful completion of Paralegal or Office Administration diploma or equivalent
• Organized, highly detail-oriented, analytical, and able to effectively prioritize to ensure deadlines are met
• Excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) with lawyers, clients, and external organizations with a focus on accurate interpretation of instructions and requirements
• Basic Accounting skills
• 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
• Work under minimal supervision, with the ability to exercise reliable judgment in seeking additional lawyer direction as required
• Technologically proficient with a strong ability to learn, embrace, and effectively use new technology
• Demonstrates discretion and sound judgement in handling of confidential information this includes a high degree of integrity and trust

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 from day one, and pension plan membership after a year.

Patterson Law 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.