Legal Assistant - St. Catharines, Canada - Lancaster Chown and Welch LLP

Description

• Provides support in the efficient and effective management of the practice including correspondence, diarizing events, scheduling, greeting clients, file management, etc.
• Prepares correspondence and legal documents for review
• Monitors proceedings for updates, schedules and decisions and documents
• Provides assistance to lawyer(s) with trial and hearing preparation and support
• Monitors deadlines, sends reminders, and assists in preparing and filing responses within deadlines
• Performs various administrative functions including conflict checks, opening and closing files, and preparation of account related documents (i.e. docketing, billing summaries, etc,)
• Interacts professionally with clients, opposing counsel, experts and other relevant stakeholders via telephone and written communications
• Keeps informed of any changes in specialty area and is quickly able to adapt procedures to meet requirements
• Performs other duties as may be assigned and or required from time to time
• Attempts to anticipate potential problems and averts or resolves, knowing when to escalate the problem to a senior member of the team or supervising lawyer;
• Able to consult with lawyers and coworkers as required communicating information in a clear and concise manner;

• Prepare monthly billings, Accounts Receivable Reports and be responsible for collections of A/R;
• Uses Tact and diplomacy when contacting clients about delinquent accounts;

• Maintains currency of files, including scanning, culling and closing, in accordance with policy and procedures;
• Handles routine correspondence, and performs other related duties for lawyer as required from timetotime;
• Keeps track of actions taken, deadlines for future filings and scheduled court appearances;
• Keep supervising lawyer's diary uptodate, schedule appointments, read incoming mail and faxes;

• Has advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Suite of programs the Firm uses;
• Experience and working knowledge of ACL3 and ESI Law is an asset;

• Keeps abreast of any changes in specialty area and is quickly able to adapt procedures to suit;
• Fosters an environment where other staff feel comfortable in asking for assistance and advise in completion of complex or problematic work items;
• Can be called upon to assist with planning and development of new projects and act as a representative of LCW with external agencies with confidence;
• Provide back up for others in the litigation department, with primary focus on employment and labour practice area;
• May be called upon to mentor new staff, coop and student placements;
• Performs such further and other duties as may be assigned and/or required from time to time.

• Experience in a Legal Assistant or related role is an asset;
• Previous experience and knowledge in labour and employment law;
• Experience in civil litigation is an asset;
• Successful completion of postsecondary Legal Assistant / Law Clerk or related program;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal software including Esi Law;
• Ability to multitask and manage high volumes of work within a busy practice;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and riskassess high volumes of work, responding to shifting priorities as necessary
• Ability to take initiative and demonstrate accountability, flexibility and adaptability
• Decisive and able to work with mínimal direction/supervision
• Exceptional attitude and work ethic
• Willingness to assist others voluntarily or as requested in a team environment
• Enjoy working in a large office and team environment
• Willingness and ability to support and enhance the Firm's presence and goals

• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care

• Monday to Friday

• Do you have a Law Clerk Diploma?