The Montréal office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG), a leading, innovative and client-focused law firm in Canada, is seeking three Practice Assistants, Commercial Litigation.
Purpose of Role
BLG is currently seeking three Practice Assistants* to work in its Commercial Litigation Group. The Practice Assistants will take an active interest in, and obtain a thorough understanding of, all aspects of client requirements to provide exceptional service levels to our lawyers and our clients.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of this role are:
Administrative Tasks
- Open files and follow up with lawyers regarding conflict clearing
- Sort files in iManage
- Perform billing related tasks (review bills, coordinate with Accounting, follow up)
- Obtain budget approvals from clients and forward them to the assigned E-biller so they can update our electronic platforms
- Carry out any task related to the receipt or payment of trust monies (case settlement, etc.)
- Book conference rooms and follow up
- Coordinate with internal teams (e.g. Accounting, Mail, Helpdesk)
- Answer client questions regarding billing (provide copies of bills, account statements, etc.)
Litigation Tasks
- Prepare a variety of documents, correspondence and procedures
- Save emails and sort them in iManage
- Format various documents
- Draft letters and procedures
- Serve notices of proceedings virtually or by bailiff
- Keep track of the delays on proceedings
- Organize different documents and files
- Keep track of deadlines and send reminders \
- Coordinate various appointments (e.g. examinations, court reporters, adverse parties)
- Prepare various trial briefs as required by judges
- Transcribe dictations
Key Competencies
- Legal secretary's diploma or equivalent experience
- Fluently bilingual written and spoken (French and English)
- Minimum of 2 to 5 years legal experience
- Prior experience working in litigation would be considered an asset
- Proficiency in MS Office (excellent knowledge of advanced functions in Word)
- Ability to communicate in a professional manner with clients and lawyers
- Ability to interact professionally with clients and all members of the Firm
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Attention to detail and good proofreading skills
- Excellent multi-tasking skills
- Ability to follow instructions with minimal supervision and take initiative
- Capacity to set own priorities while also demonstrating flexibility
- Team spirit and excellent interpersonal skills
How to Apply
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Effective June 27, 2022, BLG has suspended its current vaccine policy mandate. As the pandemic is not over, the safety of Firm members and the BLG community remains our top priority. Given the ever-evolving nature of the situation, we will continue to closely monitor health conditions and if necessary implement new measures to protect Firm members. While it is not a condition of employment, we would appreciate reviewing your most recent proof of vaccine if available.
Everyone at BLG is required to carry out the duties of their role while upholding the important principles of our respectful workplace policies, and treat everyone with respect, regardless of position. At BLG, valuing diversity and inclusion is key to a respectful workplace.
BLG is committed to building and fostering a workplace that is reflective of our communities, where all Firm Members feel included, valued, and heard. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates but acknowledge the systemic and structural barriers that have, historically, marginalized and barred certain groups from accessing employment opportunities. As part of our commitment to removing barriers to employment, we strongly encourage applications from members of these historically marginalized groups including, but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, people with disabilities and women. Accommodations are available, upon request, in all aspects of the recruitment process.
*Please note that relatives of current BLG employees and partners are not eligible for consideration.