Legal Assistant, Probate & Estate Planning (Bridgewater)

Patterson Law is an established Nova Scotia law firm with offices in Truro, Halifax, New Glasgow, Bridgewater, and Pictou and with clients whose interests range from global to purely local. Our more than 160 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 an experienced Legal Assistant at our Bridgewater location, 197 Dufferin Street, Suite 302.

The Legal Assistant will provide legal & administrative support to the assigned lawyer(s), primarily in the area of Probate and Estate Planning.  The Legal Assistant will also be responsible for some general office and reception break coverage.

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

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Manage, coordinate, and ensure the smooth flow of work in the assigned lawyer(s) practice.
2. General administrative duties including file and records management, dictation, scheduling and arranging appointments, document assembly, copying and binding, and managing incoming and outgoing mail, e-mail, and telephone calls.
3. Prepare Wills, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Personal Care Directives
4. Prepare and manage Probate files
5. Ensure client inquiries are dealt with promptly and efficiently
6. Maintain accurate and current status records for client matters
7. Prepare and review correspondence and legal documents at lawyer’s request and direction including memos, letters, forms, etc.
8. Deal efficiently with matters on an emergency basis, including last-minute preparation of documents, prioritizing matters on a regular basis throughout the day
9. Entry of disbursements and lawyer’s time into the Accounting system to ensure accuracy of client billing
10. Coordinate the monthly billing process, sending out invoices and reminder notices to clients, following up on overdue accounts
11. Keep lawyers and impacted colleagues informed of any problems or delays in the completion of assigned tasks on files
12. Overflow support for administrative staff during periods of absence or heavy workload, including relief coverage at reception
13. Policies/Procedures – Ensuring adherence at all times to firm policies and procedures that have been established
14. 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
15. Other – Additional duties as assigned based on the firm’s requirements

Qualifications:

• Solid knowledge of Wills & Estates/Probate law is essential
• Prior experience in legal administration for a Probate and Estate Planning 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
• Demonstrate discretion and sound judgement in handling of confidential information this includes a high degree of integrity and trust

We are seeking to fill this position as soon as possible.  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, 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.