Legal Assistant, Employment & Labour

Dentons • Toronto, ON

69d • $75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Legal Assistant within our Employment | Labour Department requires a unique blend of skills and experience. You must demonstrate strong technical skills and knowledge to accurately and efficiently manage the production demands of the Employment | Labour practice and also possess proven abilities to proactively support the management of the practice, including client relationship management. The position will require a polished, confident and reliable assistant who is able to manage multiple priorities. You are highly organized, discreet and have a client first approach to work. You are professional and possess a high degree of business maturity.

Generally, the hours of work are from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however due to the nature of this role, flexibility is required. Pre-authorized overtime may be required.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Legal Administration and / or Law Clerk Diploma preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in a legal environment with exposure to Litigation or Employment | Labour law.
• Strong understanding of court procedures and the rules of various tribunals and boards HRTO, OLRB, WSIB, and the Rules of Civil Procedure, Small Claims Court.
• Technical knowledge of key legislation including the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Canada Labour Code, Labour Relations Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Proficiency with legal software and electronic filing systems related to Labour & Employment, JSO and Ontario Courts Public Portal (OCPP) and Case Centre.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Passion for working in a team environment, willing to help others, and comfortable with sharing work assignments.
• Attention to detail, proofreading and accuracy are required; proven ability to produce a high quality and quantity of work under tight timelines.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Minimum 60 wpm typing speed.
• Experience transcribing dictation.
• Knowledge of accounting / time entry systems and document management systems (3E, Intapp and iManage).
• Excellent organizational and follow up skills; ability to exercise sound judgment in setting priorities.
• Professional client and telephone manner and a proven track record of managing confidential information with a high level of discretion.
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Must have excellent problem solving skills, and the ability to work with little instruction.
• Professionalism demonstrated with colleagues and clients, both in person and by phone.
• Responsive and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the new business intake and file opening process by collecting relevant client information, performing conflict searches, drafting and circulating engagement letters, and ensuring all necessary documents are completed, returned, and processed in compliance with firm protocols, with minimal supervision.
• Prepare and draft legal documentation (from precedents) such as termination letters, termination packages, employment agreements and amendments, client policies, handbooks, mediation briefs, demand letters, and other related correspondence.
• Assisting lawyers in the preparation and coordination of hearings, pleadings, and filing requirements.
• Assemble and prepare mediation and arbitration briefs, hearing binders, and related materials to support counsel throughout the dispute resolution process.
• Manage communications and correspondence by phone, voicemail, email, and mail.
• Oversee and manage all administrative functions throughout the matter lifecycle, ensuring the effective coordination, transfer, and closure of files in compliance with firm protocols and standards.
• Review, proofread, and prepare client and other business materials, including client documents, reports, memos, briefings, presentations, forms, and other items ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Arrange for service and filing of documents and related instructions to process servers / agents, and for periodic acceptance of service of documents.
• Prepare and maintain a system for routine file review (bring-forward), diarizing court dates, meetings, and appointments.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail, including maintenance of email accounts.
• Deal with and respond to client inquiries and conducting follow up, as required.
• Manage files and records per the policy of the firm and maintaining precedent systems as may be required.
• Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, send invitations, and reminders.
• Coordinate and arrange travel, including hotel, flight, and transportation reservations.
• Submit business and travel expenses for reimbursement.
• Enter and maintain lawyers’ time entries and coordinate with Accounting Department as required.
• Actively support the Legal Support Team in accordance with the firm’s standards and best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Our comprehensive total rewards package includes inclusive and flexible benefits that support the wellbeing and development of our people. This includes extended health and mental health benefits, paid time off, retirement savings plans, a fitness subsidy, parental leave top-up, and more.
• In addition, our learning and development programs—such as mentorship opportunities, employee networks, and leadership development initiatives—are designed to support personal and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree