Description
WHO WE ARE
Hamilton Duncan is one of the Fraser Valley’s largest and most well-established law firms, boasting a team of more than 35 talented lawyers and 70 excellent support staff. Located in Surrey – one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada – we provide high-end legal services to a wide variety of clients in an assortment of engaging and challenging matters across diverse areas of practice.
We pride ourselves on a commitment to our community and our collegial workplace. We want people who value a culture and management style that fosters collaboration and respect while rewarding individual responsibility, initiative and creativity and providing opportunities for further development.
WHO WE NEED
We are looking for a legal administrative assistant in our commercial litigation group. Your goal should be to provide high-quality assistance so our clients can achieve the best possible litigation outcomes and so the firm and the department run smoothly. Your work will help fuel our team and our clients’ success while developing your skills in a high-demand practice area within the legal profession.
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO WORK WITH US
We ask a lot of our people, so we try to give a lot in return. In addition to a competitive salary ($45,000 to $55,000 depending on qualifications and experience), we think you’ll love these other benefits of working at Hamilton Duncan:
- Health and wellness: Take care of yourself and your family with our comprehensive benefits plan that includes extended medical, dental, vision, critical illness and life insurance coverages, as well as an employee assistance program for those trying times. Sick leave days ensure that you don’t choose between your health and your income.
- Plan for your future: Once you’ve been with us for a year, you will be eligible to participate in our group RRSP program, and we will match a portion of your contributions.
- Develop your skills: Successful applicants to our continuing education program get some or all of their tuition reimbursed for further law-related skills training.
- Location: Get to work quickly thanks to our highly accessible office location (directly adjacent to the Gateway SkyTrain station) with an on-site fitness facility.
- Additional comforts: Enjoy coming to work in jeans every Friday, leaving an hour early before long weekends and all summer weekends, and socializing with your colleagues at our regular social functions.
WHO YOU ARE
To be considered for this role, your application should demonstrate the following:
- Experience: At least three years as a legal administrative assistant in a litigation role with comparable responsibilities (experience with commercial litigation would be an asset).
- Education: A legal administrative assistant certification from an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Skills: You must have a strong working knowledge of court rules and procedures; proficiency with typical law office computing systems (Microsoft® Office applications, document management software and web-based filing and search services like BC Online, MyLTSA, Worldox and Unity), superior organizational skills, keen attention to detail, technology proficient, You must be able to multitask and handle a high volume of work with tight deadlines. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, with the ability to communicate clearly, using discretion and confidentiality.
- Characteristics: This is a position of significant responsibility, so you should be self-motivated and thrive on solving problems both independently and with the team. The role is also demanding, meaning that you need to be calm under pressure and eager to take on challenges. You will be in contact with clients and other law firms, so you should embrace the opportunity to communicate with others. We take pride in the quality of our work, so we hope you do too.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
You will be an integral part of our commercial litigation team, critical to the success of both the lawyers you work with, and our clients. Along your journey of providing invaluable assistance to our clients with their challenges, you will be responsible for:
- Coordinating communications, meetings, tracking, following up on requests, file-related tasks, identifying and prioritizing each task in order of importance.
- Drafting, editing, formatting, and revising legal documents, including correspondence, pleadings, affidavits, lists of documents, application records, trial binders, exhibit books, briefs, books of authorities, and ensuring their timely filing and service with compliance to limitation dates and legislation.
- Coordinating and scheduling client appointments, discoveries, mediations, chambers applications, trials, examinations for discovery, various other hearings, meetings, and phone or video conferences.
- Communicating with clients to gather information, provide updates on file status, coordinate dates, convey next steps, and receiving potential client phone calls to schedule initial appointments.
- Researching titles to real property, liens, assets, locations, and procedural requirements for litigation or other client matters.
- Organizing document production and reviewing, organizing, and managing documents, especially when clients have a large volume of documents.
- Administering clients’ files, including file opening (conflict searches, client identifications, etc.), scanning, electronic filing, billing, preparation of monthly invoices and expense reports, and closing files.
- Liaising with legal assistants, paralegals, lawyers, management, and clients regarding file progress
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to advance your career and join our team at Hamilton Duncan, act now by emailing your cover letter and resume to our Human Resources Manager, Pavanpreet Athwal, at [email protected].
While we thank all applicants for their interest in our firm and keep all applications on file in the event of future opportunities, only those shortlisted for interviews for this position will be contacted as a part of this recruiting effort.