Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) recently announced a suite of innovative services named BLG Beyond.  BLG Beyond is seeking the below, this role can be located either in the Ottawa or Toronto office.

Purpose of the Role

The Practice Assistant, BLG Beyond Leasing will be expected to coordinate workflow for other support services including delegating and reviewing the completion of document production, file management, copying/scanning work and other administrative work. The Practice Assistant takes an active interest in, and obtains a thorough understanding of, all aspects of client requirements to provide exceptional service levels to the lawyers and our clients.  

The candidate must be comfortable working remotely and be enthusiastic about adopting new technologies and embracing innovation, embracing a “digital first” approach.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of this role include:

Administrative

• Arrange/perform photocopying, printing, scanning and faxing, and review material prior to delivery, such as to court, counsel and clients 
• Arrange for files to be opened and closed, supervise general filing requirements and record keeping
• Use effective systems to ensure that both short and long term tasks are completed within required timescales
• Support lawyers in marketing activities including involvement in preparation of pitches and presentations
• Perform administrative activities related to lawyer's professional memberships, certifications and Law Society of Ontario requirements
• As required, manage calendars, ensuring they are up to date and reminding lawyers of meetings etc. on a daily basis
• As required, arrange meetings, book conference rooms, refreshments, check rooms prior to meetings etc. and liaise with other attendees, both internal and external
• Make travel arrangements as/when instructed

Communication

• Take internal and external telephone queries, responding as appropriate and/or ensuring that all messages are passed on in a timely manner
• Monitor post and/or e-mails and dealing with as appropriate and ensure that all client related correspondence is passed on to an appropriate lawyer if the relevant person is out of the office
• Liaise with administrative support departments on behalf of lawyers as required
• Liaise with the department’s Head over any planned absences, arranging coverage as necessary and communicating this to the relevant lawyers.

Client relationship management

• Become an active part in the care of clients and be wholly familiar with contacts/clients
• Enter, maintain and update client details and relevant information in the Firm’s CRM contacts system
• Deal with basic client queries and general administration
• Arrange client meetings

Document production

• Arrange and review material prepared by Document Specialist for accuracy and completeness prior to lawyer's review, and arrange/perform corrections as necessary
• Arrange/prepare documentation for execution
• Short drafts/edits of documents in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Ensure documents in final form are saved electronically
• Create and maintain databases using various applications including Closing Folders and SharePoint
• Create and maintain spreadsheets/trackers

Financial - Billing

Arrange opening/closing of client matters in accounting system, arrange updates, and coordinate changes with clients

Liaise with lawyer and billing coordinator to prepare accounts on a regular basis, including reviewing draft bills online, arranging/performing edits and delivery. Arrange revisions to accounts and coordinate with clients as necessary

Liaise with lawyer, client and Finance department to collect on overdue accounts

Assist lawyers in the billing and credit control process by liaising with the lawyer and accounts and to produce standard prebill financial/time reports through the system

Request cheques, bank transfers and paying in money received, as appropriate

Other duties and responsibilities

• In addition to providing support to the lawyer(s) to whom they report, a Practice Assistant will also provide assistance to their immediate colleagues in the department and, where practical, other departments. 
• Team duties will therefore include: 
  • Assisting other members of the firm, both proactively and at the request of the Team Leader
  • Any other duties as requested by the Lawyers 

Key Competencies

A Practice Assistant has responsibility to ensure that their skill set is up to date and they are familiar with the firm’s departments, key personnel, clients, internal systems and procedures. In addition to this, they should have/be:

• 5 – 10 years of strong Legal experience within Corporate and Commercial Real Estate 
• Accurate typing speed of approximately 60 words per minute
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teraview and other systems implemented by the firm.  iManage experience an asset.
• Ability to quickly comprehend and adopt new technology and software programs
• Excellent communication, organizational and team skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Flexible and dependable, able to take the initiative
• Able to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines 
• Conscientious, approachable and enthusiastic
• Able to quickly build confidence, respect and trust with others, with a view to developing a strong, cohesive team
• Have a positive approach to daily tasks and have a solutions focused working method
• Sound knowledge of support services
• A desire to enhance the skills of self and others 
• A strong focus on ensuring the highest levels of service standards are delivered and maintained

How to Apply

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Everyone at BLG is required to carry out the duties of their role while upholding the important principles of our respectful workplace policies, and treating everyone with respect, regardless of position. At BLG, valuing diversity and inclusion is key to a respectful workplace.

At BLG only those BLG members who are fully vaccinated against COVD-19 with a vaccine approved by Health Canada will be permitted to attend a BLG office or event.  “Fully vaccinated” means having received the full series (usually 2 doses) of a vaccine approved by Health Canada, with more than 14 days having passed since the second dose was administered. “Attending a BLG office” includes attending social or business gatherings organized by the Firm, with limits on the number of attendees in accordance with public health guidelines. With respect to client meetings, only fully vaccinated members of the Firm can meet in person with clients (others can attend virtually), unless prior authorization has been obtained from BLG and the client.  For any BLG member who is not fully vaccinated, and if the Firm requires your attendance in the office to perform your role, you must take a rapid antigen test conducted within the 24 hours prior to your coming to the office, and you must show proof of a negative test result. A new test is required for each day you are physically in the office.  Accommodations will be made for valid medical and religious reasons.

BLG is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

*Please note that relatives of current BLG employees and partners are not eligible for consideration.