Bilingual Receptionist

Gowling WLG; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in Ottawa is seeking a bilingual Receptionist to join their Client Services team. This role involves greeting clients, managing calls, and supporting event bookings. The ideal candidate will be professional, organized, and capable of maintaining high standards of service. An excellent total rewards program is offered, including health coverage, generous vacation days, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

100% employer-paid health and dental coverage

15 vacation days

Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks

Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must be bilingual in French and English.
• High school diploma required.
• Effective communication with clients and team members.

Responsibilities

• Greet and direct clients at reception.
• Manage incoming calls and relay messages.
• Assist with room and catering requests.
• Maintain cleanliness in client areas.

Skills

Bilingualism (French/English)

Effective communication

Ability to work independently

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High school diploma

Job description

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our commitment to excellence begins with our people. As an international law firm with offices in Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we’re proud to recruit and retain top talent who bring energy, insight, and a singular focus on delivering exceptional experiences – for our clients and each other.

We’re intentional about building a workplace that’s both high-performing and supportive, ensuring that everyone is empowered to do their best work and reach their full potential. Our culture is grounded in our shared values: Raise the Bar, Embrace Differences, and Thrive Together. These values shape how we collaborate, lead, and succeed – across teams, time zones, and career paths.

Whether you’re pursuing a role in law or business services, explore what’s possible and make your mark with Gowling WLG.

PROFILE

We are currently recruiting for a bilingual Receptionist to join our Client Services team. The Receptionist is responsible for greeting, directing clients and taking incoming and outgoing telephone calls. Core hours are 8 am to 6 pm. The typical shift for this role will typically be 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. There is an on-site requirement for 5 days per week in the office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet and direct clients and deliveries at reception desk.
• Demonstrate key boardroom features and resources available for assistance, including technical features, beverage drawers, office supplies, etc.
• Keep visitors log and/or issue visitor passes.
• Receive and relay incoming calls, taking messages where necessary.
• Monitor and respond to requests from clients for room, event and video conferencing bookings, catering, room configuration and audio-visual requirements.
• Assist with set up and clearing of catering and audio-visual equipment for meetings, including but not limited to table and boardroom preparation and bussing soiled dishes and glassware to the kitchen for cleaning.
• Place catering orders and gift/donation requests. Perform light housekeeping duties in lounges, pantries, and boardrooms to ensure that they are clean, neat and orderly in appearance in accordance with sanitary and esthetic standards.
• Any other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingualism (French/English) required.
• High school diploma.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other Firm members, with the aptitude to take care of clients’ needs in a professional and courteous manner.
• Capacity to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize and to redefine priorities when necessary.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

BENEFITS/PERKS

Gowling WLG’s total rewards program is designed to foster a culture where high performance and personal well-being go hand-in-hand. We support your career and life with:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance.
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
• 15 vacation days.
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment).
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match.
• Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders.
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture.
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are in need of accommodation or support at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.