Legal Administrative Assistant – Defamation/Privacy/Int’l. Trade

Gowling WLG • Ottawa, ON

53d • Hybrid

About The Position

Gowling WLG's litigators who specialize in Defamation & Media Law, Privacy Law, Administrative Law and International Trade and Customs Law are currently seeking a Legal Administrative Assistant to join our team. Our work spans defamation actions and reputation management, privacy breach responses, judicial reviews, Canadian International Trade Tribunal anti-dumping and countervailing duty proceedings, and international trade and customs matters. We act for a variety of clients, including technology companies, professional associations, global businesses, and public bodies. As Legal Administrative Assistant, you will be the operational backbone for a group of busy litigators. You will be involved in a number of interesting files and play a key role in day-to-day file and litigation practice management. You will track filing deadlines, update calendars, produce court-ready materials, and keep clients and counsel connected. The right candidate is skilled at solving problems, organizing workflows, streamlining processes, and demonstrates strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage priorities in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

• Relevant post secondary education (such as Administrative Assistant or Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma) coupled with a minimum of five years of experience in civil litigation.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, strong formatting skills, and meticulous proofreading.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other Firm members, with the aptitude to take care of clients’ needs in a professional and courteous manner.
• Capacity to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Strong written, oral and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization and time management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of litigation management programs is an asset.
• Experience with administrative tribunals or privacy regulators.
• Bilingualism (French/English) would be an asset

Responsibilities

• Accurately prepare and format court materials and correspondence with minimal direction: motion records, factums, books of authorities, and compendia of argument, with accurate citations and schedules.
• Manage filings and service across courts and tribunals: Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Divisional Court, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Court of Appeal for Ontario, administrative tribunals.
• Run with urgent tasks: time sensitive filings and confidential privacy matters.
• Coordinate across teams: other lawyers, clients, opposing counsel, experts, and court/government staff.
• Keep the practice moving: calendar management, deadline tracking, travel, meeting logistics, and expense reports.
• Support hearing preparation: assemble records, manage exhibits, summarize materials, and maintain hearing binders.
• Maintain matter organization: document management, version control, and precedent libraries.
• Assist with billing support and time entry as needed.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
• 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment)
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees