Associate Lawyer

Meridia Recruitment; Halifax; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation

Wellness days

Holiday closure

Clothing allowance

Cellphone reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Social events

Job summary

Ritch Williams & Richards, a Halifax-based boutique litigation firm, is seeking an Associate Lawyer focusing on insurance defence and marine law. You will manage files from referral through resolution, draft pleadings, and advance complex matters in collaboration with partners.

You will need a NS Bar admission or eligible status, at least four years of litigation experience, and a track record of client service. This role offers autonomy within a supportive team and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing with a Canadian provincial bar or eligible for admission to the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society.
• Minimum of four years of litigation experience, preferably in insurance defence.
• Ability to manage litigation files with increasing independence and build client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation files from initial referral through to resolution, taking increasing ownership and autonomy over files.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, and other court materials.
• Prepare liability and damages assessments, reports, and legal opinions.
• Prepare for and conduct discoveries, mediations, and judicial settlement conferences.
• Work closely with partners on complex insurance defence matters.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while contributing to excellent client service.
• Develop and grow an individual practice with support from experienced lawyers.

Skills

Insurance defence

Litigation

Client relationships

Autonomy

Job description

Associate Lawyer – Halifax, NS (Reference # AC - 7540)

Meridia Recruitment Solutions has partnered with Ritch Williams & Richards, a boutique litigation firm based in downtown Halifax, to recruit an Associate Lawyer, Insurance Defence Litigation. Focused on insurance defence and marine law, Ritch Williams & Richards represents leading national and international insurers on complex and high-value matters. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated lawyer with litigation experience who enjoys taking ownership of their files, working directly with clients, and building their practice within a collaborative and supportive team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and advancing litigation files from initial referral through to resolution, preparing legal documents and opinions, and representing clients through various stages of the litigation process. Working closely with experienced partners, the Associate Lawyer will have the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility, develop strong client relationships, and continue growing their practice with increasing autonomy.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and advance litigation files from initial referral through to resolution, taking increasing ownership and autonomy over files and individual practice.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, and other court materials.
• Prepare detailed liability and damages assessments, reports, and legal opinions.
• Prepare for and conduct discoveries, mediations, and judicial settlement conferences.
• Work closely with partners on complex insurance defence matters.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while contributing to excellent client service.
• Develop and grow an individual practice with the support of experienced lawyers and a strong legal team.

YOUR REQUIREMENTS:

• Member in good standing with a Canadian provincial bar, preferably the Nova Scotia Bar, or eligible for admission to the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society.
• Minimum of four years of litigation experience, preferably in insurance defence.
• Experience managing litigation files and handling matters with increasing independence.
• Experience preparing pleadings, motions, legal opinions, and liability and damages assessments.
• Experience preparing for and conducting discoveries, mediations, and judicial settlement conferences.

KEY SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Sound professional judgment, strong attention to detail, and a high degree of professionalism.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong client service skills and the ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships.
• A genuine interest in litigation and a desire to take ownership of files and build and grow an individual practice.

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
• Paid vacation, plus additional health and wellness days.
• Firm closure over the holiday season.
• Firm-paid health, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Annual health and wellness allowance.
• Clothing allowance and cellphone reimbursement.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Regular firm-sponsored social events and opportunities to connect with colleagues outside the office.

For more information, please contact Adam Creaghan, Partner, at [e-mail] or 647-336-1416 or Lauren MacDonald, Recruitment Specialist, at [e-mail] or 902-407-1427. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Lauren know.