Job Description
Join our team in the role of Wills/Estates Legal Assistant (intermediate to senior), providing support to the Estate Solutions Group. Duncan Craig LLP is a mid-market, full-service law firm based in downtown Edmonton. 2024 marks our 130th anniversary as a law firm dedicated to providing a full range of legal services to businesses, entrepreneurs, institutions, and individuals in Alberta. We are a community-focused law firm, and we strongly believe that part of our business should include contributing to the development of the communities where our clients and we live. It is our goal to make working for Duncan Craig LLP a rewarding experience with benefits to promote your professional, personal and financial wellbeing, as well as a work-life balance. We work hard to engage our staff and view them as a critical component to providing outstanding customer service, so in our recruitment we seek those individuals who are professional, committed to excellence, and excel at working as a team. PURPOSE The Wills/Estates Legal Assistant has the role of providing legal assistance and administrative services with respect to all client files for two wills and estates lawyers. This individual will play a critical role in the overall workflow process and management of the lawyers’ files. This position assumes substantive and procedural legal work, including all administrative responsibility for the files. This role involves extensive liaisons with clients, outside counsel, the courts, court reporters, various agencies, and numerous staff members and lawyers. While this position has a specific and dedicated role, the legal assistant will remain part of the Estate Solutions Group, where you will work with various team members on an ongoing basis. PRIMARY DUTIES File Intake, Access and Tracking Draft General daily and complex correspondence matters Handle incoming daily mail and manage as appropriate Client communication; attend client meetings as required Legal document drafting for client and court proceedings Ensure the appropriate steps are advanced for court filings and service thereof Process account billings Electronic filing, file conclusion and finalization Attend client meetings when required KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES This position is for an experienced wills and estates legal assistant, requiring dedicated and proven experience with estate litigation, estate administration, and estate planning. Knowledge of the relevant legislation, the Alberta Rules of Court, and common law principles is required. The Legal Assistant must be able to: Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with clients, lawyers, and team members Function independently and proactively, and to contribute effectively within a team environment; Demonstrate initiative, professional judgment, sensitivity and empathy Demonstrate advanced Microsoft Word skills Behave in a professional manner and present a professional work image at all times Be able to adapt to a changing and fast-paced work environment Experience in 3e accounting software, Netdocuments (DMS), and Microsoft Teams is considered an asset WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU? Competitive salary RRSP Contribution Incentives Medical Benefits and Employee Assistance Program Health Spending Account Allowance Personal days Community-giving opportunities and experiences Great working culture, onsite staff events monthly Onsite and offsite learning and development opportunities REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of a diploma or certificate at a recognized legal assistant program or equivalency, a minimum of four years plus of advanced-level Wills and Estates legal assistant experience. If you are interested in the above role and meet the requirements , please send a cover letter and resume to the Director of People & Development at ebanick@dcllp.com. Only qualified applicants will be considered for an interview and contacted.