Legal Assistant

at  York Region

Job Description:

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometres over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of Post-Secondary education in a Legal Assistant Program or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years legal administrative experience in a private or public law practice.
• Thorough knowledge of the preparation of various legal documents, contracts, agreements, records and file systems, and clerical administrative practices.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to assess priorities and work independently to meet required deadlines with conflicting demands and changing priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and exercise good judgement and discretion in dealing with confidential information and/or responding to inquiries.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as required

POSITION PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Senior Counsel, provides confidential, legal and administrative support, including drafting or preparing correspondence and legal documents, organization and maintenance of lawyers’ files, scheduling meetings and maintaining lawyers’ calendars as well as administrative management of legal practice.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drafts and/or prepares various document, agreements, by-laws, corporate searches, correspondence.
• Administers and processes legal documents and ensures security, insurance requirements and authorization within the limitation period are met to protect the legal and financial interests of the Region; arranges for signature, execution and registration of documents and agreements.
• Assists in drafting and in the preparation of confidential correspondence, documents and reports.
• Maintains filing system, precedents etc. and updates records and lists to ensure accuracy; files correspondence, reports and other documents in accordance with Regional standards and assists with records management.
• Acts as the communications link between staff and cross-department staff, outside agencies and the public.
• Produces and distributes documents, ensuring security and confidentiality of information.
• Identifies best practices and procedures in connection with job duties and responsibilities and implements changes.
• Drafts and/or prepares and co-ordinates background material, briefing notes, as appropriate, for response to inquiries.
• Conducts legal research utilizing various legal research software.
• Receives, redirects and responds, as appropriate, to communications and takes appropriate action to ensure urgent matters are dealt with quickly.
• Assists various Counsel by maintaining schedules, arranging meetings and attendance at courses, making travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Responds to inquiries, referring urgent matters to appropriate staff, and ensures timely communication to Senior Counsel.
• Participates in meetings, staff committees and working groups as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet Branch and Department objectives.