Paralegal, Litigation (Truro)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Litigation Paralegal to join our Truro office located at 10 Church Street.

The Paralegal, Litigation will provide legal & administrative support within the Truro Litigation group, including Family, Personal Injury, and other areas of Civil Litigation as well as Criminal.  As a primary biller, revenue production targets set by management are expected to be achieved.  Under direct lawyer supervision, the Paralegal will complete routine work that a lawyer might otherwise do.

The successful candidate will work Monday to Friday with standard work hours of 34.5 per week. Some flexibility and occasional overtime will be required.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• File Administration – Organize files according to issues, ensure undertakings are met, provide routine instructions to clients, maintain up-to-date time records, ensure supervising lawyer is provided with ongoing status of progress, ongoing file maintenance and organization.
• Quality Control – Follow up on files to ensure timely responses, monitor on a periodic basis for file activity, liaise with assistants and other support staff to ensure strong communication and consistency in file management and client contact.
• Discoveries – Schedule, issue discovery Subpoena, arrange witnesses, obtain discovery transcripts, etc.
• Trials – draft Notice of Trial, coordinate date assignment conference, arrange witness for trial (including issuance of subpoenas), prepare documents for chambers application, assist in procurement of expert’s reports, assist in the preparation of exhibit books and casebook of authorities
• Draft Authorizations
• Gather and request various records, including medical files, Income Tax Records, MSI records, etc. and maintain record of files requested/received
• Review records and prepare appropriate redactions for disclosure
• Assist with retaining expert witnesses and preparation of brochures (medical and non-medical documentation)
• Prepare affidavit disclosing documents and affidavit of electronic disclosure
• Respond to basic inquiries, schedule appointments, outline information required from client for preparation of documents
• Coordinate issuance and service of documents as requested by the lawyer
• Coordinate with the legal assistant “bring forward system” for each assigned lawyer
• Draft Pleadings associated with Divorce, Separation and Adoption
• Prepare supporting financial statements, including tax calculations, CPP and EI
• Prepare spreadsheets related to client files
• Draft Equalization Charts
• Input data to computer program (ChildView) to prepare child support, section 7 expenses and spousal support
• Draft Separation Agreement and Minutes of Settlement, Cohabitation Agreement, Marriage Contract, and Surrogacy Agreements
• Draft Affidavits (initial, responding and supplemental)
• Liaise with client and the Court to obtain information for the drafting and preparation of documents
• Draft Interim Motion documents (often on an emergency basis)
• Preparation of Evidence Summaries for trial purposes
• General trial preparation, at the direction of file lawyer, including Exhibit Lists, Exhibit Books and Witness Lists
• Arrange any court appearances or other meetings as requested by the lawyer;
• Respond to basic inquiries, schedule appointments, outline information required from client for preparation of documents
• Coordinate issuance and service of documents, as requested by the lawyer
• Coordinate with the legal assistant “bring forward system” for each assigned lawyer
• Assist with and maintain current precedents
• Attend client or other meetings, as requested by lawyer, including minute taking, if requested
• Draft and prepare routine correspondence including marriage and birth certificate requests
• Draft Court Forms, draft Subpoena(s) and arrange for service of same, review disclosure and prepare summary of same, liaise with Court
• Book conference rooms; greet clients and other legal assistant duties at the direction of the file lawyer

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will have a Paralegal diploma/degree or other related education, with experience in a legal support role
• Knowledge & experience in supporting a Litigation law practice is required
• Past experience in Family, Personal Injury, and other areas of Civil Litigation as well as Criminal would be ideal
• Highly detailed-oriented and extremely organized
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills
• 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 with comfort to act independently and anticipate lawyers’ needs
• Excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills
• Strong keyboarding and transcription skills and an affinity to learn new technology
• Energetic, flexible, and willing to pitch in wherever necessary
• E-Discovery and litigation review software experience is a definite asset

The Paralegal, Litigation is needed 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.

About Us

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 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, 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 will be considered simultaneously for this posting.