Job Description
About DaviesDavies is a top-tier Canadian law firm focused on high-stakes matters. With offices in Montreal, Toronto and New York, we are consistently at the center of the most challenging deals and cases in Canada and abroad.A position at Davies is more than just a job. When you join the firm, you will be welcomed by a team that places as much emphasis on supporting its people as it does on serving its prestigious clients. As such, we have created a collaborative environment where team members of all backgrounds feel appreciated and are encouraged to share their ideas while working alongside some of the brightest legal and business professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and experience.About the PositionWe are currently seeking a Day Legal Assistant to join our Corporate and Banking practice group in our Toronto office working in a share of 3:1. The successful candidate will work Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.The position requires very strong communication and technical skills. The successful candidate must demonstrate initiative, high attention to detail, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. In addition, strong client service skills, organization skills and practice management abilities are required.Primary ResponsibilitiesProvide dedicated support to three Corporate and Banking Lawyers.Using the firm’s word processing and document management software, prepare and process correspondence, memoranda and legal documents according to the firm’s standards. Compose and draft routine cover letters and documents. Proofread documents and check for appropriate formatting, spelling and grammar. Prepare revisions and blackline documents as directed. Prepare closing books and index hyperlinking. Assist lawyers and students with the establishment and maintenance of on line websites (Deal Room/ShareFile) for the purpose of facilitating legal transactions for the firm.Review and route incoming mail and fax communications; prepare and process outgoing mail and fax; and arrange specialized mail or messenger services, as required.At the direction of the lawyer, ensure email correspondence is filed to the appropriate client matter.Manage key dates including updating calendars for assigned lawyers, including their meetings, appointments, due dates, and client related activities.Coordinate lawyer travel arrangements and travel expense reports using the firms Chrome River database.Updating contact names and addresses in the firm's InterAction database on a regular basis.Coordinate client meetings, including scheduling rooms and arranging for catering or audio-visual equipment using the firm's Meeting Room Manager software.Receive, handle, screen and/or direct incoming calls as directed by lawyer; responding to routine inquiries and requests from clients; and taking messages as required.Coordinate docket entry and submission according to the firm’s timelines for docket submission. Prepare expense reimbursement and disbursement requests. Prepare client accounts and coordinate client billing matters with the Accounting Department. Work with the lawyer to enter new Client and Matter opening requests using the firm's database.Coordinate and disperse tasks to be performed by various resource groups such as Document Specialists, Billing Specialists, etc., where appropriate, while ensuring tasks are completed in a timely manner.Manage files including, opening new files and maintaining precedent files.Work with Records to create, maintain and store client files as appropriate.As a member of a formal team structure, demonstrate effective teamwork and provide support to other legal assistants as time permits. Provide support to other lawyers, clerks and/or students within the team structure in the absence of the regularly assigned assistant where dedicated support is not available. Work cooperatively with other departments and individuals in the firm.QualificationsThe successful incumbent will have a Community College Certificate in a Legal Assistant program or equivalent.Possess a minimum of five years of experience in a Legal Assistant role. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience is acceptable.Be a team player.Have a positive attitude and professional image.High level of professionalism, the ability to take initiative and use discretion and good judgement in decision making.Excellent technical knowledge of Microsoft applications, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat.Excellent client-service skills.Ability to produce documents in a timely and accurate manner.Excellent communication skills and the ability to prioritize daily work effectively.Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize and provide excellent attention to detail.Excellent administrative and organizational skills.To ApplyFor more information or to apply, please submit your application to Karen Keane at kkeane@dwpv.com.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.Davies is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace for candidates and firm members with disabilities. Please let us know of any accommodations you may require at any time during the recruitment process.