Legal Assistant - Indigenous Law

Who We Are:

Aird & Berlis LLP is a prominent Canadian business law firm located in the heart of Toronto’s and Vancouver’s financial districts. With over lawyers, business advisors and patent agents, we serve clients across Canada and globally.

What We Believe In:

The firm is committed to ensuring that all members of the Aird & Berlis LLP community feel valued, respected and supported. We are a dedicated group of diverse individuals who care about each other, the work we produce and the client service we provide. We go to great lengths to foster a professional, supportive environment for all firm members so you can focus on the important things: client service, your career and your life.

What We Are Looking For:

Aird & Berlis LLP is looking to fill an open vacancy for a Legal Assistant to support a team in our Indigenous Practice Law Group. The successful candidate should have strong administrative and organizational skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated experience in monitoring timelines and deadlines, and attention to detail. Prior experience or knowledge of Aboriginal/Indigenous Law and/or environmental and regulatory processes are considered assets. If you have high energy, strong technical skills, are skilled at managing shifting priorities and demands, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, this role would be a good fit for you.

Responsibilities:

• Independently manage the daily operation of a team of legal professionals who represent Indigenous clients with a primary practice focus in Aboriginal/Indigenous Law, including: environmental and regulatory process and the duty to consult, supporting self-government and the establishment of Indigenous laws and policies including child and family services, advancing and negotiating resolutions to outstanding Indigenous claims as well as the negotiation and implementation of modern day treaties, economic development and corporate/commercial supports
• Prepare, edit, and complete all necessary correspondence, documentation, and related materials
• Prepare documents for Regulatory Boards and Tribunals
• Track regulatory and legislative timelines, with a rigorous bring-forward system
• Assist with file organization and general practice management for a minimum of one Partner and one associate (e.g., saving notes, file naming, etc.)
• Complex calendar management, including, overseeing meeting requests and coordinating with Indigenous clients with respect to booking calls and meetings
• Maintain accurate records of CPD hours, including tracking, updating, and submitting necessary information
• Manage professional licenses and certifications, ensuring timely renewals and compliance with regulatory requirements across the Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Yukon law societies
• Booking travel and accommodation for client meetings as required
• Manage duties related to accounting (dockets, bills, expenses, etc.)
• Communicate professionally with all internal and external clients, government contacts and other stakeholders
• Handle daily administrative details
• Produce the highest quality of work
• Accountable for all work assigned
• Take initiative
• Confidential

Requirements:

• Minimum of five years’ previous experience as a Legal Assistant
• Successful completion of a related post-secondary Legal Assistant or Law Clerk program
• Knowledge of procedures related to Regulatory Bodies and government review processes would be considered an asset
• Knowledge of Aboriginal/Indigenous Law would be considered an asset
• Handle time pressure situations and stress of multiple demands

Skills:

• Microsoft suite of applications
• Ability to problem solve
• Good judgement and decision making
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organized
• Resourceful
• Detailed

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $60, - $75, annually; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal and market equity.

Why You Should Apply:

• Opportunities for growth and on the job training and development
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• We pride ourselves on being a mid-sized firm with a family feel
• Active involvement in our community with opportunities to volunteer
• Mentor program
• Wellness programs

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon a criminal background check.

We will review applications as they are received and all applications will be kept on file. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.